Heroes Vie for Supremacy in the Qian Realm: Entering Star City, He Meets a Lovely Beauty for the First Time; Auctioning a Priceless Treasure, He Easily Eases You’s Troubles

After conquering Baling, Ji Shi consolidated his forces and established a secure line of communication between Jiangcheng and Baling. With the assistance of Li Kangjia from Jingzhou, Ji Shi’s forces effectively placed Jiangcheng under siege.

Over the next few days, Ji Shi devoted himself entirely to cultivation.

One day, within his secluded meditation chamber, a vast and boundless aura erupted from his body. The essence of heaven and earth seemed to be drawn to him, flooding into his form with frantic intensity. With his eyes tightly shut, he was wreathed in brilliant light, resembling a rising sun that illuminated the entire chamber. Following a deafening dragon’s roar, Ji Shi’s aura climbed steadily until it pierced the clouds, reaching the pinnacle of the Rain-Shattering Realm. He slowly opened his eyes, which glimmered like radiant stars as if capable of perceiving all things in the world. An aura of absolute dominance emanated from him, causing the very space around him to tremble.

That day, a small boat departed from Jiangcheng Port, drifting toward Star City Port.

As soon as Ji Shi disembarked and stepped out of the port, he was struck by the prosperity of Star City. Shops lined both sides of the streets, their colorful signs gleaming under the sun. A dazzling array of goods filled the stalls, while the sounds of peddlers crying their wares and the laughter of people wove together into a vibrant, bustling scene.

Pedestrians moved in an endless stream, men and women dressed in exquisite finery jostling through the crowd, some pausing to admire the wares, others haggling over prices, their faces filled with satisfaction and joy. In the distance, towers and pavilions soared, their flying eaves and carved beams displaying the beauty of antiquity. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of street food, making one’s mouth water, as if walking into a dreamlike world of decadence and splendor.

"I should find a restaurant to gather some information," Ji Shi thought. He soon arrived at the Haodonglai Restaurant, the busiest in the city.

Stepping inside, the dragon and phoenix totems carved into the threshold shimmered in the sunlight, as if whispering of past glories. Once inside, he was struck by the opulent interior. Dazzling glass lanterns hung from the high ceiling, casting light that made the hall as bright as day. Famous calligraphy and paintings adorned the walls, and the scent of ink mingled with the aroma of wine, adding to the refined atmosphere.

The marble tables were as smooth as mirrors, reflecting the soft candlelight. Patrons whispered or chatted loudly, while waiters in uniform moved elegantly among them, carrying trays of delicacies that smelled divine. Ji Shi found a window seat; outside, the prosperity of Star City unfolded, while inside, there was the vibrant warmth of human life.

After ordering a few dishes, Ji Shi sat quietly, listening to the surrounding conversations.

"Hey, have you heard? The Prince’s great general, Chi Ji, was taken down by that Ji Shi in Baling. I heard he also defeated the King of Jiangcheng half a month ago and successfully took the city. That Ji Shi is truly a young hero!" Nearby, a few men discussed the news over drinks.

Just then, a beautiful young woman approached slowly with a tray. She wore a pale blue dress that swayed with her movements like rippling water. Her ink-black hair was gently pinned up, with a few stray strands framing her ears, adding to her softness.

Her features were refined and ethereal, her skin as warm as jade, her brows like a painting, and her lips curved into a faint smile that shone like the warmest spring sun, instantly brightening the entire restaurant. She moved with a graceful rhythm, drawing the gazes of everyone present; she seemed the most dazzling pearl in the world.

"Here is your meal," she said. Her voice was sweet, like a clear spring flowing in the mountains or an oriole emerging from a valley—crisp and melodious, purifying the hearts of those who heard it. She placed the tray on the table with elegant precision. The dishes were colorful and fragrant, the steam rising to mingle with her light scent, creating a moving picture.

Ji Shi could not help but be captivated by this beautiful moment. He tilted his head slightly, his gaze falling gently upon her face. In that instant, the restaurant seemed to fall silent, leaving only her, him, and this rare tranquility.

"Lady You is helping out again. I bet that Boss Hao is going to be heartbroken!" one of the patrons joked.

You Yu’s expression flickered with a hint of displeasure, but she merely smiled and said nothing.

Ji Shi observed all of this; it was clear the girl despised the restaurant owner but felt compelled to help, likely bound by something. Not wishing to meddle, he turned his attention away.

Yet, as if by fate, when You Yu delivered the next course, it was to Ji Shi’s table.

As she approached, her gaze fell upon Ji Shi’s sharp, handsome features, and a ripple stirred in her heart. His eyes were deep and seemed to pierce through the soul, and his side profile was heart-stoppingly handsome.

Her heart raced, and a flush crept onto her cheeks. She sighed inwardly, "If only my destined beloved were this handsome, but..." Thinking of the greasy Hao Dong, she felt a wave of nausea.

Ji Shi noticed her strangeness. "Miss, is something the matter?" His gentle voice made her blush even more.

"Young Master, I have a favor to ask. Would you be willing?" She looked at him with anticipation, but to her surprise, Ji Shi refused without even asking what it was, leaving her embarrassed.

"Young Master, I have a piece of information. I see you are dressed in fine clothes, clearly from a wealthy family; you will surely be interested in this!"

"Oh? What is it? Let’s hear it," Ji Shi said with interest.

"But Young Master, will you agree to help me?" Fearing his displeasure, she added, "I just worry that..."

Ji Shi looked at the beauty before him. "If this information is useful to me, I will help you."

"With those words, I am content!"

She whispered to him, "I heard from Hao Dong that the banquet held by the Yuan Ke Auction House tonight will feature a rare treasure. It is said that it can allow a martial artist to reach a hidden realm beyond the Void-Entering Realm—the Reality-Void Realm. Once one steps into the Reality-Void, they are invincible among their peers. The King of Jiangnan once reached this realm, which is why he is so powerful!"

Ji Shi was intrigued. "Are you certain this is true?" He found it hard to believe such a treasure would be put up for auction.

Seeing his doubt, You Yu explained, "Young Master, you do not know that such treasures choose their owners. Unless it recognizes you, you cannot use it. Furthermore, this news came from Hao Dong himself; he is not only the owner of this restaurant but also the manager of the auction house."

"Take me to the banquet. Once it is done, I will solve your problem," Ji Shi said confidently.

"Very well. At dusk, come here and find me. I will take you. But if you cannot help me, I will not force you," she thought, knowing what Hao Dong was capable of.

Watching her fall into deep thought, Ji Shi drank his wine, left a few taels of silver, and departed. Watching his straight, powerful back, You Yu thought of Ji Shi, wondering how her sister was faring under him, though she had heard she managed to escape.

Indeed, You Yu was the third young lady of the You Kong family, her true name being You Kong Yu. But now, she was shackled by Hao Dong through some unknown means.

At dusk, Ji Shi arrived at the restaurant on time. After waiting for nearly an hour—"Women..."—just as Ji Shi was lamenting, You Kong Yu hurried over.

Seeing how beautiful she looked, Ji Shi was spellbound. She wore a pale purple dress that swayed like a blooming flower in the spring breeze. Her hair cascaded down like a waterfall, pinned up with a few stray strands framing her face, adding a touch of liveliness. Her eyes were like a painting, shimmering with moving light, and her sweet smile seemed capable of melting all the cold in the world.

The sunset bathed her in a golden glow, making her look like a fairy stepping out of a painting.

***

Perceiving Ji Shi’s gaze, You Kong Yu blushed. "Young Master, I have kept you waiting. By the way, I do not know your name yet."

"I am Ji Yang."

"So it is Young Master Ji. Let us set off!" You Yu led Ji Shi toward the Yuan Ke Auction House.

Before long, they arrived at the entrance. "Stop! Present your invitation!" a guard demanded as they were about to enter.

"An invitation is required?" Ji Shi looked at You Kong Yu, puzzled.

You Kong Yu was displeased. "Young Master Ji is with me. Is there a problem with him entering?"

"Forgive me, I did not know this gentleman was with Lady You. You two were standing so far apart, I didn't realize. However, Boss Hao has been waiting inside for a long time. Lady You, perhaps you shouldn't bring a man inside," the guard said, eyeing Ji Shi with hostility.

"Mind your own business! Tell Hao Dong to give up!" You Kong Yu walked to Ji Shi and, gathering her courage, took his strong, muscular arm. Feeling the warmth from his skin, her cheeks flushed, and her eyes held a mix of shyness and determination. Ji Shi was startled but said nothing.

They walked into the auction house under the astonished gazes of the crowd.

Inside, the auction was about to begin. They skipped the private boxes and found random seats.

Finally, the auction began with the voice of the auctioneer, Kong Fei.

As items were traded, Ji Shi remained calm, waiting for the grand finale. He noticed that many people in the hall and the private boxes had not placed a single bid, clearly waiting for the same treasure. He didn't care; in terms of wealth, none of the people present could rival the new King of Jiangcheng.

Near the end of the auction, Kong Fei announced excitedly, "Now, let us unveil the final item! It is said it can allow a martial artist to reach the hidden realm attained only by the King of Jiangnan—the Reality-Void Realm!"

The crowd erupted. Such a treasure was impossible to ignore. Kong Fei didn't mention that the treasure chooses its owner, a fact Ji Shi already knew.

"Starting bid, five hundred thousand taels. Begin!" As soon as she finished, bids poured in.

After a long time, as others dropped out, the price reached eight million taels. "Eight million once, eight million twice! Any other bids?" Just as she thought it was over, Ji Shi bid, "Ten million!"

The crowd turned to look at him, spotting You Kong Yu by his side. Hao Dong was no exception. Gritting his teeth, he told his four men, "Once the treasure is retrieved, capture that brat alive!"

"Ten million once, ten million twice!" Kong Fei counted down.

"Wait! I bid eleven million!" The man refused to give up. Ji Shi looked toward the voice and was shocked. "Isn't that Chi Fanwei, the strategist for Zhu Sheng Ziyin? It seems this medicine is for Zhu Sheng Ziyin. But as the King of Ruzhou, how does he have so much money?" Ji Shi didn't know that Zhu Sheng Ziyin had already conquered Shaozhou and parts of Gannan. However, eleven million was clearly all Chi Fanwei could muster.

"Heh, eleven million and one tael," Ji Shi said, effectively ending the competition.

With the scornful gazes of the crowd upon him, Ji Shi successfully acquired the treasure: a sword-shaped fruit.

After pocketing the item, Ji Shi told You Kong Yu, "Be careful. If something happens, leave immediately. I will find you at the restaurant tomorrow." He knew a hard battle was coming. "Let’s test my peak Rain-Shattering Realm strength on these blind fools!"

You Kong Yu nodded, understanding.

As they stepped out of the auction house, the street was eerily silent. Ji Shi sensed a cold, hidden killing intent. Just as they turned a corner, four dark figures emerged, surrounding them.

Ji Shi remained unmoved, a faint smile on his lips. You Kong Yu stayed close to him, her hands clenched.

"To think the little beauty knows us," one said. "I am the Heavenly Violence Star, Pang Da, the Blood-Spilling Bear!"

"Heavenly Swift Star, Cao Fu, the Little Flying Kun!"

"Heavenly Leader Star, Lin Hao, the Body-Leading Man!"

"Heavenly Killer Star, Yan Kun, the Feather-Prison King!"

You Kong Yu turned pale. "Young Master, they are all in the Void-Entering Realm. Pang Da is in the mid-stage! What is your realm?"

"Me?" Ji Shi smiled. "I am in the Rain-Shattering Realm!"

"Rain-Shattering... you!" As she tried to stop him, Ji Shi pushed her aside. "Just wait!"

He charged the four. Even though they were a realm higher, Ji Shi held the upper hand. He moved like lightning, his every strike precise and lethal. With a roar of force, he slammed his fist into Pang Da. Despite being in the mid-stage of the Void-Entering Realm, Pang Da couldn't keep up. Cao Fu tried to use speed but was kicked in the abdomen, collapsing in pain. Lin Hao and Yan Kun tried to team up but were easily defeated by Ji Shi.

The four lay on the ground, unconscious. Just as Ji Shi turned to go to You Kong Yu, Pang Da leaped up like a wounded beast, his eyes bloodshot, and swung a fist at Ji Shi’s back. Sensing the danger, You Kong Yu threw herself forward, pushing Ji Shi away with all her might.

Pang Da’s fist struck her chest. Her small frame flew back like a falling leaf, hitting the wall and collapsing. She was pale, blood spilling from her lips, but her eyes were filled with determination.

"Oh, why do you do that? That little attack couldn't have hurt me!" Ji Shi slashed with a sword-hand, cleaving Pang Da in two.

After finishing off the others, Ji Shi carried You Kong Yu to an inn. Once in his room, he pulled out a green pill. "What a foolish woman, wasting my Nine-Turn Soul-Returning Pill. I was saving that for myself!" He fed it to her.

Soon, You Kong Yu’s body began to recover.

Seeing her stabilize, Ji Shi lay on the floor and fell asleep.

The next morning, You Kong Yu woke up. "Am I in the underworld?" She saw Ji Shi on the floor and tears welled up. "Young Master Ji, to think you ended up here too... and you’re even sleeping on the floor in the underworld, how bitter!"

Ji Shi woke up, looked at her, and gritted his teeth. "You’re finally awake. You did a 'great' job!"

He explained what had happened, and You Kong Yu blushed. "I only did it to save you!"

Ji Shi didn't dwell on it. "What was that favor you needed?"

You Kong Yu looked pitiful. "Young Master, Hao Dong took a jade pendant that belonged to my late mother. I dropped it, he found it, and he used it to blackmail me into marrying him. I refuse!"

"Seeing his fat body makes me sick. Please help me!" She wiped away non-existent tears.

Ji Shi left for the restaurant. Upstairs, Hao Dong was trembling. "Are the four stars really dead?"

"Yes, many witnessed it!"

"Prepare a boat! I’m going to Yuzhang!"

Suddenly, a figure appeared behind him. "Boss Hao, why leave? Don't you want to return to your roots?" With a swift motion, his throat was slit.

Ji Shi searched the room, found the pendant, and left through the window.

"Here is your pendant. We are even now," he said to You Kong Yu.

"Wait, where are you going?"

"Back to Jiangcheng. I’ll be back soon, with an army!" You Kong Yu didn't understand.

"Can I find you when you return?" She asked expectantly.

"Suit yourself!" Ji Shi walked away.

At dusk, at Star City Port, Ji Shi sat on his boat. "I need a strategist. Time to invite Old Ou to join me."

Meanwhile, at the Kun Saint Temple on Donggang Mountain, Old Ou was sweeping the floor when a powerful aura descended. A woman in black appeared.

"Who are you?" Old Ou asked, activating his internal energy.

"You are too tired. My master sent me to replace you. It is time to send you to the Western Paradise!" Her voice was ethereal, as if not of this world.

They clashed. Old Ou was outmatched. As he fell, the woman enveloped him in a hazy aura. "A nascent domain... you are in the Moon-Breaking Realm! Alas, little brat, I cannot assist you any longer," he gasped, and died.

The woman entered the temple, dripped blood onto the statue of the Kun Saint Emperor. A black mist appeared.

"Zeng Li, is it done?" a sharp voice asked.

"Yes, Master."

"Take the form of Old Ou. Ji Shi will come for you soon. Infiltrate him!"

"As you command!"

The figure in the mist looked North. "Ji Shi, grow quickly. Your senior brother won't last much longer, hahahaha!"

Zeng Li shed her black clothes, transformed into Old Ou, picked up the broom, and began to sweep, waiting for her new master.