Chapter 229: Naturally Sacred Bone
Chapter 229: Naturally Sacred Bone
“Ji Leping?”
Hearing Li Hao’s words, Ji Boyuan was slightly taken aback. Following the mother’s surname?
Traditionally, the father’s surname was the norm, and it was rare for someone to follow the mother’s. He also knew that Li Hao’s mother, Ji Qingqing, had married into the Other Clan from outside the Great Wasteland Sky. Therefore, it was impossible for the Other Clan to share the Ji surname.
He glanced at Li Hao, the warmth in his eyes slightly fading.
But then he thought about the rumors. The Ji Family’s War God had highly praised this young man, and he couldn’t discern Li Hao’s aura. Consequently, his attitude remained courteous:
“Please follow me.”
Li Hao nodded and followed him.
The two quickly ascended the mountain.
The many young Ji Family members who had rushed over to see the spectacle frowned upon hearing Li Hao’s words. Some sneered, and others laughed coldly.
“Ji Leping? What a big ego!”
“Clearly a barbarian from the Other Clan, yet he dares to change his surname to ingratiate himself with our Ji Family!”
“He even disowns his father’s surname. What a sycophant, trying to worm his way into our Ji Family!”
“I thought he was a prodigy as the War God said, but he turns out to be a conniving little man. How disappointing.”
“Maybe he just charmed the War God with sweet talk. Who knows what kind of luck he had to pass the Mourning River. Truly bizarre.”
Various harsh comments filled the air.
These young members didn’t hold back in front of Li Hao. They were all around his age, and their inherent bloodline made them naturally look down on this half-breed from the Other Clan. Hearing the War God’s praise only made them more resentful. It was as if someone from a small, insignificant place was claiming to be better than them, which was quite embarrassing.
In the crowd, some were descendants of Ji Yunge’s brothers. They had come out of curiosity, but upon hearing Li Hao’s words and the surrounding comments, they too could not help but frown, deeply disappointed by the prodigy mentioned by their Uncle Yunge.
Being of low birth was a minor issue, but to look down on one’s own origins was a different matter. It inevitably led to their disdain!
Watching the young man swiftly climb the mountain, many quickly followed, their eyes filled with disdain, as if the Ji Family’s Holy Land had been defiled.
If not for Li Hao’s act of returning Ji Yunge, they would have driven him away long ago.
Soon, Li Hao followed Ji Boyuan to the heart of the Holy Mountain.
This was where the majority of the Ji Family’s elite Main Lineage members lived and trained.
Clusters of buildings sprang up like bamboo shoots, sprawling across the landscape, each one majestic.
The Holy Mountain was vast, equivalent to several cities, capable of accommodating millions of people.
Most Ji Family members with average talent lived in the city at the foot of the mountain behind the Holy Mountain, focusing on other skills such as alchemy, medicine, and talisman making.
Others engaged in farming, taming demons, and various other duties.
At this moment, many Ji Family members in the heart of the Holy Mountain, on its southern side, had gathered upon hearing the news, curiously eyeing Li Hao.
The summit of the Holy Mountain was off-limits to ordinary Ji Family members unless summoned.
However, news of Ji Yunge’s return had spread throughout the Holy Mountain, reaching even the mountain’s waist. Everyone knew that a young man with Ji Family blood had brought back the War God.
“Is this the son they’re talking about?”
“I can’t discern his cultivation. He seems quite powerful.”
“So what if he’s powerful? I just heard he changed his surname to Ji. His intentions are obvious, coming all this way.”
“Maybe he passed the Mourning River with his family’s help. If we had found the Mourning River where War God Yunge was imprisoned, we would have passed it long ago!”
The crowd gathered, and various comments echoed around.
Li Hao frowned at the noisy chatter. If it were just ordinary young members, he would have ignored them.
But among the crowd were middle-aged men who were also mocking him. His eyes turned cold:
“Is this how the Ji Family treats its guests?”
Ji Boyuan had just come to a stop when he let out a bitter laugh. He could understand the people who were discussing Li Hao's decision to take his mother's surname; after all, it was a disgraceful act.
Though he was under the Elder's command and stood by Li Hao, it was difficult for him to show favoritism.
However, despite understanding the critics, he was here to escort the young man and immediately shouted, "Scatter! What's there to discuss? Move aside!"
After his rebuke, he turned to Li Hao and said, "Please follow me."
With that, he waved away the gathered crowd and led Li Hao to an imposing hall. He then said to Li Hao, "Rest here for a moment. The War God Yun Ge is explaining your situation to the Patriarch. Once they decide when to induct you into the Ji Family, they'll send me to inform you."
With that, he turned and left, closing the door behind him.
Li Hao frowned but remained silent.
He had heard the discussions along the way and knew that explanations would be futile, so there was no point in trying.
When he met his mother, if he could help her escape her predicament, he would leave this place.
After all, the Great Yu Divine Dynasty was always at risk of Demon invasions. Though he was not a member of the Li Family, he was human and willing to contribute his power to the Great Yu Divine Dynasty.
Besides, he still owed the emperor a debt of gratitude.
...
...
At the peak of Holy Mountain.
Ji Yunge had already emerged from the Ancestral Hall, having paid his respects to the ancestors and the Heroic Souls of his fallen comrades.
The Heroic Souls were saddened and distressed when they learned that Ji Yunge could not return to the Ancestral Hall and would soon dissipate.
Ji Yunge had told the old Thirteenth that he had a grandson who was very promising and would become a prodigy of the Ji Family.
When he recounted in detail how Li Hao had performed in the Mourning River, the old Thirteenth was speechless, his face showing a mix of emotions—sorrow for Ji Yunge and curiosity about his grandson.
"Fifteen years old, and he can fight against an Ultimate Mastery Realm cultivator! Qing Qing actually bore such powerful blood!"
"Alas, Qing Qing was foolish back then. Fortunately, Tianchao and the others interceded on her behalf, sparing her from lifelong imprisonment. But a thousand years... that's a long time to endure!"
The old Thirteenth's emotions were complex.
When he learned that his daughter had privately married someone from another clan, he was so angry that he nearly dissipated as a Heroic Soul.
But she was his daughter, and despite his helplessness and anger, he could do nothing to change what had happened.
As a father, even if his children made grave mistakes, he would do everything in his power to protect them. He blamed himself for failing to raise her properly and felt that the fault was his.
Now, his daughter had given him a prodigious grandson, which brought some comfort to his otherwise gloomy heart.
Ji Yunge left the Ancestral Hall and bid farewell to the Patriarch, then followed his brothers and family back to their residence.
Looking at the familiar scenery, Ji Yunge felt a sense of nostalgia.
The others were trying to hold back their grief, determined to smile and accompany Ji Yunge through his final 1st Rank journey.
During the journey, Ji Yunge thought about Li Hao and asked, "Has the child been settled properly?"
"Third Brother, you're in this state, yet you're still thinking about that child. You are..."
Ji Tianchao was heartbroken, forcing a smile along the way, but he could no longer hold it together.
Beside him, the Sixth Brother, Ji Yunqing, tugged at him and then said to Ji Yunge, "We've sent someone to take care of it. I'll ask Qingmeng."
He immediately called for someone.
Soon, a woman flew over and quickly bowed to the elders.
"How is the child settled? Have you seen him?" Ji Yunqing asked.
The woman was his daughter, Ji Qingmeng, also the cousin of Ji Qingqing. She looked graceful and dignified, with willow-like eyebrows and almond-shaped eyes, exuding an elegant aura. She replied, "I've sent someone to escort him to the Guest Hall. The Patriarch is discussing the matter, but I heard that Elder Qing Yuan is unwilling to agree..."
"Qing Yuan?"
Ji Yunge was surprised and asked, "Whose child is this?"
The Qing generation should be the children of their brothers and sisters, with a few exceptions.
For example, his Ninth Brother, Ji Tianchao, was highly favored by their father and was given the name of a deceased ancestor, with great expectations placed upon him.
And Ninth Brother did not disappoint his father's expectations.
"It's not from our lineage, but from the Secondary Lineage."
Ji Yunqing immediately explained, "His great-grandfather was originally from the Main Lineage, but due to ordinary Talent, he married a Secondary Lineage commoner. As a result, the lineage gradually became part of the Secondary Lineage. However, in his generation, something unexpected happened, and he suddenly received great fortune, manifesting a Naturally Sacred Bone!"
"Not long after Third Brother left, he displayed astonishing Talent, breaking through the Fourth Establishment Realm consecutively and eventually reaching the Enlightenment Realm. Now, along with Tianchao, he has become one of the three War Gods of our Ji Family."
Ji Yunge was slightly taken aback. He had thought that with his own downfall, the Ji Family would have to keep a low profile for a while. He never expected another War God to emerge.
Beyond the Great Peace Dao Realm, a Pathfinder!
"This person is our contemporary, but due to being from the Secondary Lineage, his seniority is slightly lower, belonging to Qing Qing's generation. In the past, he would have called us uncles", Fourth Brother added.
Ji Yunge immediately understood.
A Secondary Lineage member with a Naturally Sacred Bone—truly a stroke of luck.
Their founding ancestor was at the Sage Realm, and Sages can pass on Sacred Bones, similar to how those at the Three Eternities Realm can pass on Divine Blood.
However, unlike the Sage Realm, the probability of inheriting Divine Blood is very high, unless the parent generation has many affairs and numerous offspring, which would dilute the bloodline and reduce the chances of inheritance.
As for Sacred Bones, even the purest and most direct descendants might not inherit them. It all comes down to fate.
One could say that a pure bloodline slightly increases the chances of winning this lottery.
Once a Sacred Bone is awakened, one possesses the potential to become a Sage!
This is why the Ji Family strictly prohibits marriages with other clans, striving to maintain the purity of the Main Lineage's bloodline.
"This person is low-key and patient. No one knew he possessed a Sacred Bone until he reached the Fourth Establishment Realm. Thereafter, he burst forth, breaking through consecutively. It seems he had accumulated a deep foundation, allowing him to easily break through and reach the Pathfinding Realm", Ji Yunqing said.
Ji Yunge nodded slightly. Among their sixteen brothers, only a few had a deep bond and got along well.
The Ji Family, after all, is an Ancient Noble Family with a ten-thousand-year heritage. The branches are complex, and internal conflicts are inevitable.
Given that this person is from the Secondary Lineage, his cautious approach is understandable.
"What does the Patriarch say about this?"
Ji Yunge asked.
Ji Daosin had promised him, and he trusted that the Patriarch would keep his word.
"The Patriarch is willing to give the child a chance. Now, Ji Qingyuan is leading others to argue about it, insisting that the rules cannot be broken. At most, they will offer some compensation, and not executing the child is already a lenient punishment", Ji Qingmeng said, realizing she might have provided too many details. Her uncle didn't have much time to listen to all this, so she quickly added, "But the Patriarch has spoken, and his word is final. You can rest assured, Uncle."
Ji Yunqing said coldly, "Ji Qingyuan knows this, but he's just trying to use this to gain advantages for their side."
Ji Yunge nodded slightly and then smiled, "These are minor issues. As long as the child displays Talent, I believe the Patriarch will understand. Taking the child into the Ji Family is not just a favor for me based on my past achievements, but a significant contribution I made to the Ji Family before my death!"
The others were taken aback, never expecting Third Brother to speak with such conviction. How outstanding must this child be to inspire such confidence?
Ji Qingmeng was also surprised. Seeing her uncle's eyes shining with enthusiasm, she suddenly felt a pang of sympathy and said softly,
“Uncle, I have something to say, but I’m not sure if it’s appropriate.”
“Qingmeng, if you have something to say, just say it. Don’t waste your uncle’s time,” Ji Yunqing scolded immediately.
Ji Yunge smiled, “Hesitating like this, is it something difficult?”
“That child…”
Ji Qingmeng thought about the news she had received and cautiously glanced at her uncle, “He says his name is Ji Leping, and he has taken his mother’s surname…”
Everyone was taken aback. Ji Leping?
“This child…”
Ji Yunqing frowned slightly, “Is his father some minor figure, so much so that his marriage to Qingqing was a case of marrying into the family?”
“Earlier investigations revealed that he is a Divine General from the Great Yu Divine Dynasty, a Marshal. He may not be a match for us, but he holds significant prestige in the Great Yu Divine Dynasty,” Fourth Brother said, his eyes flickering, hesitating to say more.
“Is his decision to take his mother’s surname at the behest of Third Brother?”
Ji Yunqing asked.
Ji Yunge shook his head slightly.
“This child…”
The group exchanged glances, all frowning.
Ji Yunge, seeing their expressions, immediately understood their thoughts and shook his head, “Don’t misunderstand. With this child’s talent, he would be a standout even without the Ji Family. In this Great Wasteland Sky, he would not be inferior to any other prodigy!”
“Hm?”
Everyone looked at him, unable to understand why Third Brother favored the child so much, just because he brought him back?
“Perhaps the child took his mother’s surname simply because he has a deep bond with her, or maybe he’s doing it to remember her,” Ji Yunge said.
“Is it not because he wants to join our Ji Family?”
Ji Qingmeng couldn’t help but ask, feeling that her uncle seemed to be somewhat charmed by the young man.
“Qingmeng, how can you speak like that!” Ji Yunqing reprimanded her.
Though they had similar thoughts, with Third Brother nearing his end, they couldn’t question his judgment, could they? They only wanted Ji Yunge to leave happily.
Ji Yunge smiled, noticing the others’ silence. He understood their thoughts too well and said, “You’re overthinking it. This child is free-spirited and doesn’t hold a deep attachment to his family. Whether it’s the Ji Family or any other, it’s the same to him. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to pass through my Mourning River and bring me back.”
“What do you mean by that?”
Everyone was puzzled, having discussed many past events but not yet inquired about the specifics of the Mourning River.
Ji Yunge then explained the reasons for passing through the Mourning River in detail.
Hearing his explanation, everyone was stunned, finally understanding.
“So it seems we have indeed misunderstood the child,” Ji Yunqing said.
“But why did he change his surname? His father must be heartbroken,” Fourth Brother asked, puzzled.
Everyone looked at Ji Yunge, who also shook his head slightly, “I don’t know. Perhaps the child’s bond with his father isn’t as deep. Otherwise, how could he not be attached to his family?”
Hearing this, everyone thought it was indeed possible.
“If that’s the case, we should treat him well.”
“Right. Since he has taken the Ji Family name, he is one of us.”
Everyone agreed.
Ji Yunge smiled, “Leaving this child in your care, I can rest easy. He is a deeply emotional person, with extraordinary intelligence. Treat him with sincerity, and you will be rewarded in the future.”
Hearing his advice, everyone understood his meaning: they should not try to control the child with other means but treat him genuinely.
“Third Brother, don’t talk like that. Your body is weaker…”
Ji Tianchao, who had been silent, said with a bitter expression.
He didn’t care about the young man or any prodigy. He only cared about his Third Brother, with whom he had fought countless battles and slain countless demons.
“Tianchao, in the future, let this child be the one to accompany you. Enlightenment Realm… give him ten years, and it should be enough,” Ji Yunge said softly, his body appearing frail, as if a gentle breeze could scatter him.
(End of Chapter)
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