Chapter 228: Ji Leping
Chapter 228: Ji Leping
The figure rushed over, disheveled but with a face full of excitement. He burst in front of Ji Yunge, tears streaming down his old face:
"Third Brother, you’re finally back!"
Seeing the old man’s emotional tears, those who had rushed over from the outer areas were all astonished. Apart from Ji Yunge’s funeral decades ago, they had never seen this decisive and ruthless War God of the Ji Family weep.
"Tianchao!"
Ji Yunge’s ethereal figure also trembled slightly. Reunited with his brother after so long, a flood of memories surged within him.
Meanwhile, on the other Floating Islands circling Holy Mountain, the grand palaces quickly received the news from Holy Mountain.
The former War God of the Ji Family, Ji Yunge, had returned!
The entire upper echelon of the Ji Family was stirred, and they all gathered on Holy Mountain, creating a bustling scene.
In front of the Ji Family Ancestral Hall, a sea of people had gathered to welcome the War God of the Ji Family who had fallen decades ago.
Along the way, Ji Yunge talked with his brothers and wife about the past years. His other sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and other relatives followed behind the elders, listening quietly without interrupting, occasionally whispering questions to each other.
Ji Tianchao and the others were emotionally charged but did not speak all at once. They had countless questions for Ji Yunge.
Where had he been all these years? How had he been? How did he return? Everyone had missed him so much... There were endless things to say.
Ji Yunge also recounted his experiences over the years and the reasons for his return.
When they learned that Ji Yunge had indeed been imprisoned in the Mourning River, everyone felt both shocked and relieved.
When Ji Yunge had fallen in battle, they had searched everywhere for his soul but found nothing, leading them to suspect he might have been drawn into the Mourning River.
"Someone actually cleared the Yudu-Class Mourning River?"
"Who is that young man? A prodigy from which clan?"
"What? He’s from our Ji Family?!"
"Qing Qing’s child?!"
As Ji Yunge spoke, everyone was even more astonished.
The Yudu-Class Mourning River, while not of great interest to their Ancient Holy Clan, was still well-known. Even those in the Great Peace Dao Realm might not be able to clear it; at best, they could destroy it. Moreover, if their Qi Channeling was poor, they might even perish in it!
The Great Peace Dao Realm was considered top-tier combat power even among the ancient noble families.
Who would be willing to sacrifice such power for an unnecessary adventure?
In the Mourning River, hunting demons brought no benefits. Most of those demons were trapped souls that would disperse when killed, only to reappear the next time the river opened.
Hunting great demon kings outside, on the other hand, at least yielded demon corpses, which could be brought back to benefit the family.
The Great Wasteland Sky was filled with numerous demons, making survival even more perilous. Despite the Ancient Holy Clan’s formidable reputation, they had to carefully balance their actions and would not waste their upper-tier combat power without reason.
Additionally, there was another reason. The Mourning River Virtue Treasure Vault in the Great Wasteland Sky had been sealed during the holy war ten thousand years ago!
Even if someone later cleared the Yudu-Class Mourning River and accumulated ten thousand virtues, they couldn’t reopen the vault. This led to the Mourning River in the Great Wasteland Sky being largely ignored, with people avoiding it to save their strength.
"What cultivation level does that child have to clear the Yudu-Class Mourning River?"
"Qing Qing actually has a child? We only knew she had secretly married someone from another clan, but we didn’t expect she had a child!"
Ji Tianchao and the others were visibly shocked, their expressions complex.
Ji Qingqing was the daughter of the thirteenth elder, who had fallen while hunting a great demon king for the family, attacked and overwhelmed by fierce beasts. Fortunately, his soul returned to the Ancestral Hall and was not swept away by the Mourning River.
Recently, Ji Qingqing had been discovered outside the Great Wasteland Sky and brought back to the family. They then learned she had secretly married someone from another clan.
Out of respect for the thirteenth elder, his brothers had helped cover up the news, preventing it from spreading widely within the Ji Family. However, they couldn’t hide it from the other higher-ups, so according to family rules, Ji Qingqing was placed under imprisonment.
However, they did not intend to imprison her for life, only for a thousand years as a punishment.
This was already considered lenient.
They never expected that Ji Qingqing had a child, who had now come seeking them.
However, this child returning Ji Yunge to the family can be considered a great contribution to the Ji Family.
"That's right. The child is fifteen this year and has already reached the Three Eternities Realm. But he can slay a Demon King, and he’s not even weaker than someone in the Ultimate Mastery Realm!"
Mentioning Li Hao, Ji Yunge's face lit up with a smile, and he said:
"I know the clan rules, but that child is truly a World-Class Prodigy, the most outstanding child I've ever seen. His character and talent are both top-notch!"
"I hope you can take care of him. Our Ji Family has gained such a Qilin Child, and in the future, we will surely soar to new heights, restoring the glory of our Sage Ancestor!"
Hearing such high praise, the onlookers were all shocked.
A Three Eternities Realm at fifteen?
This is indeed a prodigy, and in the Ji Family, it would be considered top-tier talent.
And when Ji Yunge said that the child was not inferior to the Ultimate Mastery Realm, the gap seemed too vast to believe!
For a moment, some were shocked, some were skeptical, and some thought Ji Yunge was exaggerating to repay the young man who had saved him, perhaps even to clear Ji Qingqing's name.
But Ji Tianchao and Ji Yunge's other brothers understood that their Third Brother would never lie about such matters, especially when it came to the family's interests. This Third Brother was more serious and meticulous than anyone else.
Therefore, no matter how bizarre the story, they were willing to believe it.
"Who would have thought that Old Thirteen's grandson has such abilities!"
"If Old Thirteen knew, perhaps it would make up for the regret Qingqing's mistake caused him."
"Qingqing was a troublemaker, but her child seems to be quite promising. We should speak to the Patriarch about this. For a prodigy like this, even if we break the rules, it should be worth it..."
Ji Tianchao and the other elder brothers said to Ji Yunge.
They felt gratified and delighted that such a prodigy had emerged from their lineage.
Ji Yunge smiled, believing that as long as Li Hao displayed his talent and competed for the top prodigy position, he would surely find a place in the Ji Family.
After all, the Ji Family was relatively lenient with top-tier talents.
Besides, the child was also half a Ji Family member.
"Where is that child? Why haven’t we seen him?"
"He’s at the foot of the mountain. I told him to wait there. Send someone to bring him up, but we need to report this to the Patriarch first."
Ji Yunge said.
The others nodded slightly, agreeing that such a significant matter should indeed be reported to the Patriarch first.
Soon, they arrived at the Ancestral Hall and saw the current Patriarch of the Ji Family, Ji Daosin, already waiting there.
He was Ji Yunge's uncle, from his father's generation, dressed in luxurious attire, with white hair and beard, standing quietly like a serene snow lotus, exuding a transcendent aura.
Ji Daosin had a kind face with deep-set eyes that were warm and gentle, like a benevolent elder.
However, the Ji Family was an Ancient Holy Clan, founded on martial prowess, and the Great Wasteland Sky followed the law of the strong. To be the Patriarch, one had to be the strongest in the Ji Family.
At that moment, Ji Daosin watched as Ji Yunge approached, flanked by the crowd. He smiled, but then his eyes narrowed, his expression changed, and the smile vanished from his face.
Ji Yunge also saw him, and their eyes met. Seeing the change in Ji Daosin's expression, Ji Yunge immediately knew that his situation had likely been discovered.
"Yunge pays his respects to the Patriarch!"
Ji Yunge stepped forward and bowed.
Ji Tianchao and the others hurriedly bowed as well.
The younger generations knelt down to pay their respects.
In an instant, only Ji Daosin remained standing tall, while everyone else bent their heads or knelt on one knee.
Ji Daosin quietly gazed at Ji Yunge for a moment, then sighed softly and said:
"In these final moments, do as you wish. There’s no need for these formalities."
Ji Yunge's eyes narrowed, and he nodded. "Thank you, Patriarch."
Their words hung in the silent hall, like a bolt of lightning in a calm sky!
Ji Tianchao and the other brothers standing beside Ji Yunge were jolted, all of them staring at the Patriarch in shock.
"Patriarch, what did you say..."
Seeing Ji Daosin shake his head slightly, Ji Tianchao's heart trembled. He turned to Ji Yunge:
"Third Brother, what final moments? You’ve been here all along, haven’t you?"
Ji Yunge sighed inwardly. With the situation as it was, he could no longer hide the truth. He explained his situation.
When they heard that Ji Yunge was deeply affected by the Mourning River and would soon dissipate, everyone was shocked. Many of those who had been overjoyed were now covering their faces, weeping.
"No, that’s impossible!"
Ji Tianchao roared, his body trembling, unable to accept it.
Just when they had reunited, they were about to part ways, and this time, it would be a permanent farewell?
At that moment, it suddenly dawned on him that Ji Yunge had asked them to take care of the child.
Why not take care of him himself?
So, he was about to completely dissipate!
Realizing this belatedly, Ji Tianchao’s eyes instantly reddened, his face full of sorrow as he said, "Third Brother, why, why is this happening?"
Ji Yunge sighed softly and gently patted his shoulder. "Tianchao, after I’m gone, you must assist the Patriarch well and defend the Ji Family. Don’t be as reckless as I was."
"But Third Brother, you’ve always been calm and steady. I’m the reckless one..."
Ji Tianchao’s voice quivered.
Ji Yunge smiled. "We’re all old, why are we still crying like children?"
As he spoke, he patted the other’s shoulder again, signaling that they should maintain their dignity. They were the mighty Ji Family War Gods; it wouldn’t do to be so mournful.
Turning to Patriarch Ji Daosin, Ji Yunge immediately recounted the matter of Li Hao.
Ji Daosin’s expression showed a hint of surprise, but when he saw the earnest look in Ji Yunge’s eyes, he knew this was a final plea.
Sighing inwardly, he nodded slightly. "I will consider this. If the child is as outstanding as you say, he can become a Ji Family Prodigy. But if he lacks the strength, I can only spare his life."
Seeing the Patriarch make this commitment, Ji Yunge knew this was the best he could hope for and felt a weight lift from his heart.
"Thank you, Patriarch."
Ji Yunge bowed.
"During your final moments, you’re pleading for a child. Don’t you have any other wishes?"
Ji Daosin said, "When you fell in battle, you brought great glory to our Ji Family. Ask for anything you desire."
Ji Yunge smiled. "What I want, Patriarch has already granted. These children are doing well, and that brings me peace."
Ji Daosin looked at him deeply and said, "Go, offer incense to the Ancestors. Do what you must."
Ji Yunge nodded and bowed again, a gesture of gratitude to his uncle.
Then, he glanced at his brothers, seeing their sorrowful expressions. He smiled and said,
"I rarely come back, so don’t all put on such mournful faces. Crying for me twice isn’t worth it..."
"Third Brother!"
The group’s hearts ached even more at his words.
His son stepped forward, his voice choked with emotion.
"Father, you are my eternal pride. Mother has shed countless tears for you, far more than twice!"
Ji Yunge’s heart trembled. Looking at his wife, he saw her tear-filled eyes. Though she said nothing, he understood that he had deeply hurt her once again.
He suddenly felt a deep pain, as if something inside him was being torn apart. He tried to smile nonchalantly but couldn’t manage it.
Finally, he turned away, his back to the others, and said softly, "I’ll go have a word with Thirteenth."
With that, he walked into the Ancestral Hall.
...
...
As news of Ji Yunge’s return spread, more and more people gathered at the summit of Holy Mountain.
Soon, they learned that although Ji Yunge had returned, he couldn’t enter the Ancestral Hall and would soon dissipate.
Moreover, the Ji Family War God’s soul had been trapped in the Mourning River, and he had been returned by a young man.
Ji Yunge’s praise for Li Hao also spread throughout the Ji Family, and everyone knew that this young man was a World-Class Prodigy.
Before long, a group of young figures descended the mountain, swooping down the snow-white steps to the vast mountain gate.
Soon, they saw a young man standing in the grass outside the gate, as if taking a leisurely stroll, looking around.
"Hey!"
One of the young men, dressed in fine robes, shouted at Li Hao, "You’re the one who brought War God Yunge back, right? What are you looking around for?"
Li Hao slowly turned his head, initially wanting to say that he wasn’t called "hey" or "Chu Yuxuan."
But seeing the cold eyes of the other, he lost the urge to speak and didn’t respond.
At that moment, more figures flew in from behind, including a middle-aged man. Seeing the young man surrounded and scrutinized by the Ji Family’s younger generation, he quickly approached.
"Did you wait long? I’m here to escort you up the mountain."
The middle-aged man smiled warmly at Li Hao. He was Ji Yunge’s sixth brother, sent to meet Li Hao.
"It’s fine."
Li Hao returned the smile, appreciating the man’s courteous attitude.
Although he had waited a while, he didn’t find it tedious. Instead, he used the time to carefully observe this Ji Family Holy Land.
Every blade of grass and every tree here had been part of his mother’s life...
He found it fascinating.
"You can call me Ji Boyuan. What’s your name?" Ji Boyuan asked.
Li Hao was about to speak but paused. He had initially wanted to say Ji Hao, but seeing the somewhat unfriendly looks from the younger generation, he decided it was best to keep some information hidden for now.
He thought of another name, one the woman had prepared for him but never used.
"Call me Ji Leping."
Li Hao said.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
