Chapter 174: Wei Family's Distinguished Guest

It was drizzling that day. Ji Yuan, carrying a satchel and holding an umbrella, slowly walked into the capital city of Desheng Prefecture from the city gate, appearing like an ordinary lone traveler.

Although he had practiced some Qiankun storage techniques over the past two years, he still carried the cloth satchel with him.

Various Qiankun storage techniques are quite special. While they can be profound, cultivators with sufficient spiritual attainment generally know some, and some gifted monstrous beasts can even comprehend impressive divine abilities.

Yet, if you consider them simple, the study of them is endless. Furthermore, various sects highly value the more advanced forms of these techniques and do not readily disseminate them. Although not as exaggerated as "Spirit Binding," they are still exceptionally difficult to master, requiring a blend of skill, comprehension, cultivation, and destiny.

Generally, this technique requires a container. Many immortal cultivators use hidden pockets within their sleeves as a base, channeling their own magical power. Naturally, there are also storage artifacts that do not rely on a cultivator's magical power; these are usually immortal-grade artifacts, as they would otherwise be unable to generate spiritual energy independently. For monstrous beasts, innate divine abilities are simpler, typically utilizing their stomach or other internal cavities.

The dragon lineage of Tongtian River naturally possesses innate divine abilities developed through their cultivation. While the old dragon sometimes enjoys tinkering with odd things, he clearly never intended them for public viewing. Thus, even though Ji Yuan managed to acquire another jade slip on Qiankun storage techniques from the old dragon over the past two years, it remained very "counterintuitive," similar to the previous transformation technique.

However, Ji Yuan was content to study it slowly himself. After all, one excellent aspect of the old dragon's creations was their ability to reveal the essence behind appearances, which might have been the old dragon's original interest. In Ji Yuan's view, while they still fell short in many ways, they provided a valuable foundation.

The old dragon felt that no further progress could be made, and his methods couldn't compare to his innate talents, much less be refined. Yet, Ji Yuan believed that such a starting point was, in fact, incredibly rare.

True dragons are exceedingly rare in the world. Those who can achieve true dragon status, like Ying Hong, are indeed extraordinary beings of the dragon-jiao lineage.

For instance, in the transformation technique, the principle of "seeking substance and avoiding illusion," and in Qiankun storage, "entrusting objects to be woven and hidden, displaying a thousand forms of change, consuming all things and returning them." In Ji Yuan's words from his previous life, these were the fundamental building blocks for grand achievements.

Ji Yuan understood that the old dragon's occasional lack of progress might be due to a missing foundation in profound immortal arts, but sometimes, it could simply be a lack of imagination.

Therefore, even if the techniques seemed counterintuitive, Ji Yuan was still eager to study the old dragon's half-developed methods. With his perspective from the information age of his previous life, he could still intuitively grasp their potential.

The storage technique Ji Yuan now practiced was an expansion based on the old dragon's self-developed version. He had also adopted the habit of some immortal cultivators, relying on a pocket within his sleeve.

Over the past two years, in addition to his regular cultivation, he had focused on self-studying transformation and Qiankun esoteric arts in his dreams. This had indeed not disappointed Ji Yuan, as even a simple cloth shirt of ordinary material could robustly support these techniques.

The storage space, however, remained extremely limited. Apart from storing essential jade slips, tokens, and small books, he still had to carry clothes and larger books in his satchel. He didn't find this particularly inconvenient.

Dressed in a white robe, Ji Yuan slowly walked through the streets of Desheng Prefecture, holding an umbrella.

Though light, the patter of the rain allowed Ji Yuan to clearly appreciate the scenery of the prefectural city. While he had always claimed to be from Ning'an County, this was his first visit to its prefectural capital.

The Wei family was a renowned and powerful household in Desheng Prefectural City, known for its immense wealth and extensive connections. Even the prefectural officials had to show them considerable deference.

Ji Yuan found a bun shop in the city, bought two buns, and took the opportunity to ask a vendor about the Wei family. He learned the exact location of the Wei mansion but remained unsure whether Wei Wuwei was at the ancestral home or the new residence.

That afternoon, a man in a white robe, holding an oil-paper umbrella, slowly approached the Wei mansion from a distance, located in the northern part of the prefectural city.

Few people were out on such a rainy day, and this was not a bustling commercial street. There was almost only one pedestrian on the main road leading to the Wei mansion, and the two gatekeepers noticed him from afar.

This year's weather was unusually cool; it was almost summer, yet still felt cold. Aside from those with vigorous vital energy, people were reluctant to wear less clothing when going out. Ji Yuan's attire, in contrast, appeared noticeably thin.

"Hey, do you think that person is coming to our mansion?""It's raining, and he didn't take a carriage. He's probably just passing by.""I think he is. How about a bet?""Sure, let's bet. The loser buys drinks.""Deal!"

The two chatted for a few moments, and after a short wait, they indeed saw the person with the umbrella approach the Wei mansion and stop in front of the gate.

Ji Yuan turned to look at the large plaque above the main gate, which clearly read "Wei Mansion." He then approached the gate platform.

One of the gatekeepers winked at the other before stepping forward to inquire.

"Sir, may I ask the purpose of your visit to our Wei mansion?"

Although Ji Yuan's clothing was modest, his demeanor was clearly distinguished. The Wei family was also involved in the martial arts world, so even their gatekeepers were discerning and usually treated everyone with utmost courtesy.

Ji Yuan closed his umbrella, shook it dry, and then gave a slight bow to the gatekeeper.

"My name is Ji Yuan. I have specifically come to meet the head of the Wei family. This is my token."

To avoid unnecessary trouble, Ji Yuan directly presented the jade pendant Wei Wuwei had given him. It would have been quite presumptuous for a stranger to demand a meeting with the head of the Wei family, and Ji Yuan only knew this one member of the family.

"The family head?" The gatekeeper was momentarily stunned, then startled upon seeing the jade pendant.

The jade pendant was emerald green and circular, carved with two fish amidst flowing water. It was an exceptionally important token of trust for the Wei family; presenting it at any Wei family establishment would ensure their full assistance.

"Sir, please wait a moment! I'll inform Third Master. The family head is out today, and Third Master is the only one at the mansion who can make decisions!"

The gatekeeper quickly winked at the other, then hurried inside with the jade pendant.

The other gatekeeper dared not be negligent. He became highly attentive and politely greeted Ji Yuan.

"Sir, please come in quickly. There's a reception hall nearby. Please go there to rest a while and have some hot tea."

"Very well, thank you!"

Inside the Wei mansion, the gatekeeper ran incredibly fast, even utilizing martial arts footwork, sprinting directly to the small storeroom.

At that moment, the Wei mansion's old butler and Third Master were both present. The Third Master was Wei Wuwei's third uncle. After the death of the previous family head, Wei Wuwei's father, the only family members senior to him were his eldest uncle, his third uncle, and his great-grandfather.

Besides storing ledgers, the small storeroom also housed rare items such as fine wines from various regions, antiques, and delicacies.

"Third Master! Butler! Third Master! Butler!" The gatekeeper couldn't help but shout before even reaching the small storeroom.

"What's the rush?" "What's all this commotion about?!" The Wei family's Third Master and the old butler emerged from inside with furrowed brows, seeing the gatekeeper stop in front of them, slightly out of breath.

"Third Master, Butler, a gentleman in white has arrived at the mansion, saying he wishes to see the family head. This is the token he presented; could you please verify its authenticity?"

Wei Third Master snatched the top-grade jade presented by the gatekeeper.

"Like a fish in water!"

Wei Third Master subconsciously glanced at the pendant of the same design he wore at his waist, while the old butler examined it closely from the side.

"Over the years, our Wei family has only given out two such jade pendants... a gentleman in white?" The old butler suddenly felt a prickling sensation on his scalp and turned to the gatekeeper.

"Did he say who he was?" The gatekeeper slapped his forehead.

"Yes, yes, he said his name is Ji Yuan."

"Hiss..." Both Wei Third Master and the old butler subconsciously gasped, exchanging incredulous glances. To be able to produce that jade pendant and utter that name, it was almost certainly him.

"I will go attend to Mr. Ji. You must quickly go and bring the family head back. The matter concerning Luoxia Mountain Villa can wait for another day. Even if the other party has objections, I believe the family head will know how to make the right choice."

"Understood, I'll leave it to you, Third Master!"

The old butler cast all other concerns aside. With a light leap, he utilized qinggong, traversing the Wei mansion's rooftops and walls directly toward the stables.

Meanwhile, Wei Third Master immediately sprinted towards the mansion gate. He reasoned that if the guest hadn't left yet, he would have been directed to the reception hall.

'Please, don't leave!'

The extreme haste of Wei Third Master and the old butler greatly surprised the gatekeeper. By the time he registered what was happening, Third Master had already run far ahead, prompting the gatekeeper to hastily give chase as well.

Wei family's Third Master sprinted all the way to outside the reception hall before steadying himself. He then brushed off dust from his clothes and tidied his attire, finally rounding the corridor to arrive outside the reception hall door.

Gazing inside, he saw the guest dressed in a simple, wide-sleeved white robe. His hair was casually tied in a bun with an ink-colored hairpin, with stray strands around his temples, yet it all appeared natural and harmonious. A servant was currently serving him tea.

Ji Yuan naturally heard the hurried footsteps and turned to look outside the door. Approaching was a man over fifty, dressed in a brocade robe, with grayish hair styled in a bun at the back.

Wei Xing entered the reception hall with cupped hands, regulating his breath and doing his best to sound enthusiastic.

"You must be Mr. Ji, correct? I am Wei Xing; by seniority, I am the family head's third uncle. I apologize for not being aware of your distinguished visit and for failing to greet you properly, which was a grave oversight, sir!"

Observing this reaction, Ji Yuan understood that the man was aware of the situation. He stood up and returned the bow.

"Indeed, I am Ji. Greetings, Third Master Wei!"

"Oh, please, I don't deserve such an honor. Sir, just call me Wei Xing!"

Wei Xing had accompanied Wei Wuwei to Chunmu River, where he had seen the true demonic old turtle and understood the profound significance of the name "Ji Yuan."

Dealing with a true immortal figure carried considerable psychological pressure.

"Oh, by the way, Mr. Ji, why don't we move to the inner hall? It's more spacious and warmer there. I've already dispatched someone to inform the family head. Knowing of your arrival, he will surely rush back with all haste!"

"Oh, it's quite alright; this place is fine. Third Master Wei, there's no need to be so reserved. This is, after all, the Wei family, and I am merely a guest. Since I, Ji, have come, I won't leave until I've met Wei Wuwei."

"Uh-huh... that's good, that's good. Oh, right, please take this back, sir!" Wei Xing stepped closer, bowed, and respectfully returned the jade pendant with both hands. Ji Yuan reached out and took it back.

The two servants who had been serving tea to Ji Yuan were completely stunned.

"Third Master Wei, please don't remain standing; it feels quite awkward to me. Please, sit down."

"Oh, alright! Please sit as well, sir!"

Wei Xing then sat down on another seat beside Ji Yuan's tea table and turned to instruct the servants.

"You, prepare fruit platters and pastries and bring them here. You, instruct the kitchen to prepare a banquet. And tell everyone else not to approach the reception hall unless necessary!"

"Yes, sir!"

The two servants cautiously acknowledged, then quietly exited the reception hall.

Wei Xing could only steel his nerves and cautiously engage Ji Yuan in conversation.

Fortunately, after a while of interaction, he discovered that the legendary Mr. Ji was truly amiable; the tension of speaking with him gradually faded without him realizing it. Mr. Ji was very interested in the family head's descendants, and after learning about Wei Yuansheng's existence, the conversation flowed much more easily.