Chapter 438 Chapter 34 I’m Back! (Third Update, Asking for Monthly Pass)_2

“`

“I can go back, but like your grandfather, I’ve been eroded by the Mo River too deeply. Now that the Mo River has disappeared, I too will fade away.”

“`

Ji Yun Ge chuckled lightly, yet there was an air of nonchalance and a carefree spirit about him as he spoke:

“`

“But I’m stronger than your grandfather, so I can hold on a bit longer, stay a bit more time, at least long enough to see my old brothers and friends…”

“`

With that, he didn’t linger, waving his hand forward.

In the air ahead of them, ripples like wrinkles suddenly appeared.

His body went straight through them.

Seeing this, Li Hao followed as well.

But when his wrist touched the ripple, it felt slightly warm, and the crimson vine ring was blocked.

“`

“Ooh, I seem to be unable to enter…”

“`

The Crimson Blood Vine Demon King floated up a tentacle, expressing nervousness and a sense of being wronged.

The ripple slightly parted, revealing a small slit from which Ji Yun Ge’s voice came: “Come in now.”

Li Hao immediately stretched the crimson vine ring towards the slit and stepped directly through.

It felt like something soft like water brushed against his body, and then the scene before his eyes changed entirely.

Radiant divine light filled the sky, and a towering Sacred Mountain appeared before him, surrounded by several floating islands scattered about, with majestic palaces suspended on them—it truly looked like a heavenly realm!

Li Hao was dumbstruck at the sight of the floating Sacred Mountain and the small mountains—how had they accomplished this?

Ji Yun Ge’s figure was in the front as he said, “Hurry up.”

Li Hao dared not delay and quickly followed.

Ahead of the Sacred Mountain was an endlessly long staircase like the spine of a white dragon, stretching for dozens of miles, leading to the fringe of the Ji Family’s territory through which he had traversed.

At the end of the stairs was a towering dragon gate.

The gate was carved from wondrous stone, connected by dozens of intertwining dragons, as if a multitude of dragon fossils were cast into a gate. Its presence was incredibly imposing and awe-inspiring to behold.

In front of this dragon gate stood a group of young figures in exotic clothing, each with the ancient character Ji emblazoned on their chests.

Upon seeing Li Hao and Ji Yun Ge flying up the steps, this team of Ji Family guards at the gate were taken aback.

Being able to enter the mountain gate freely surely meant they were people of the Ji Family, but Ji Yun Ge and Li Hao were strangers to them.

“`

“Are you, are you Elder Yun Ge?!”

“`

Suddenly, one of the older guards recognized Ji Yun Ge and couldn’t help but become excited.

“`

“It’s me.”

“`

Ji Yun Ge smiled faintly. In the past, he wouldn’t have spared these youngsters a second glance, directly ignoring them, but now that he had returned to this place, he found every landscape to evoke a sense of nostalgia and preciousness.

After all, he wouldn’t be seeing them much longer.

“`

“Greetings, Elder Yun Ge!”

“`

The other guards recognized him as well and promptly greeted him with respect.

Ji Yun Ge turned to Li Hao and said, “You have a unique status, so wait here for me while I talk to my old brothers.”

“`

“Alright.”

“`

Li Hao agreed, then gazed at him, bowing slightly:

“`

“Farewell, senior.”

“`

Ji Yun Ge’s eyes softened, understanding the meaning behind Li Hao’s farewell.

It was a goodbye as well as a final parting.

His eyes became gentle as he said with a smile, “Child, it’s a pity I don’t have much time left to see you become the pride of our Ji Family. But it’s enough, bringing you back means our Ji Family will surely shine in the Great Wilderness once again, deterring the other Ancient Clans!”

He chuckled softly, reached out, and gently touched Li Hao’s shoulder with a look of affection.

Then, without staying any longer, his body turned into a streak of green light, shooting through the gate at top speed, straight up along the staircase stretching towards heaven.

During the decades imprisoned by the Mo River, he had been building mountains influenced by his obsession, crafting a Sacred Mountain in his heart.

A Sacred Mountain he could never truly reach.

But that changed when he met Li Hao, who shattered that constructed Sacred Mountain and brought him out of the Mo River, returning him to the presence of the real Sacred Mountain.

“Heavenly Dynasty, your third brother has come back!”

“Fourth brother, sixth brother, are you still there?!”

“I, Ji Yun Ge, am back!!”

The green light ascended, and Ji Yun Ge’s voice echoed across the entire Sacred Mountain.

This also caused countless people in the Ji Family’s Sacred Mountain to look up in astonishment, initially puzzled by who would dare to be so bold. But when they heard the name Ji Yun Ge, they were shocked.

One of the three great War Gods of the Ji Family had actually returned?!

“Third brother?!”

“Is it really third brother?!”

After a brief pause, several figures suddenly burst out from the most majestic palaces above the Sacred Mountain, crying out with excitement.

When they saw the spirit apparition of Ji Yun Ge suspended in mid-air, their pupils shrank, and their faces instantly showed a mix of excitement and sorrow as they hurried over.

“Third brother!!”

“Third brother, why did you only come back now? We looked for you everywhere but couldn’t find you…”

The three people surrounded Ji Yun Ge, and when they saw the faint spirit apparition of Ji Yun Ge, sadness showed in their eyes.

Previously when Ji Yun Ge fell in battle, they had already held a funeral for him.

They also recovered his dismembered corpse and buried it.

Despite searching everywhere, they couldn’t find Ji Yun Ge’s spirit to bring it back to the ancestral hall, but now, they could finally meet again!

“Caught by the Mo River, just my bad luck…”

Ji Yun Ge said with a smile, offering an explanation, although he knew that his old brothers would guess the reason even without it.

Besides being detained by the Mo River, there was no other explanation; however, there was also the possibility of being utterly annihilated by another Ancient Holy Clan.

But he wasn’t that weak.

As Ji Yun Ge’s voice echoed, more and more powerful members of the Ji Family appeared and rushed over.

Upon seeing Ji Yun Ge’s spirit, they all showed surprise and excitement; some couldn’t hold back their emotions and covered their faces, crying.

“Xiaomu…”

“Child…”

Ji Yun Ge looked towards the many figures rushing over; among the crowd, one figure eagerly threw herself at him, his wife.

Although they had been married for many years, he still called her by her nickname; both of them had graying temples, but his wife was still Xiaomu in his heart.

The same Xiaomu who accompanied him through half a lifetime of battles.

At his side, several voices also rushed over, loudly calling out to their father!

“Grandpa…”

A tender voice came through, from a young girl radiating the aura of the Heavenly Human Realm, beautiful and lively, who stood beside her mother with nervousness and curiosity.

Her mother, Ji Yun Ge’s daughter-in-law, looked more restrained, only allowing her child to call out while she herself stood excitedly and happily to the side.

“Is this my granddaughter?”

Ji Yun Ge, seeing the young girl, slightly widened his eyes, as he felt like he was seeing the figures of a few girls, including Ji Qingqing, from their childhood.

“Yes, Dad, this is your granddaughter, Ji Niange,” said a tall, burly man excitedly.

Ji Yun Ge was momentarily taken aback. Ji Niange, a memorial song…

His emotions fluctuated slightly as he raised his hand to pat his son’s shoulder with a trembling voice, “You’ve all worked hard.”

“Dad, it’s not hard, as long as you are back,” said the burly man hurriedly, “Let me take you to the ancestral hall first, otherwise you’ll expend soul power here.”

“Right, right, step aside, let my third brother go to the ancestral hall first,” urged the few powerful elders who had arrived earlier.

The woman who had thrown herself into Ji Yun Ge’s arms, her eyes red from weeping, also came to her senses, wiping away her tears as she told Ji Yun Ge:

“The children have all been waiting for you for so long, it’s good to be back, good to be back…”

Ji Yun Ge was thinking about telling them that going to the ancestral hall was unnecessary, as the dissipation of his body was only a matter of time, and even if he went there, it wouldn’t help.

But seeing everyone’s excitement, he decided to wait until their emotions settled a bit before speaking.

Besides, he had to pay homage to his ancestors since he was back.

Thus, accompanied by everyone, they headed towards the ancestral hall of the Ji Family.

“Who would have thought Elder Ji could return, truly a blessing for our Ji Family!”

People surrounded Ji Yun Ge in a grand procession; aside from Ji Yun Ge’s immediate family, who were extremely excited, everyone else also wore a look of joy.

Before they reached the ancestral hall, a figure rushed over quickly, excitedly exclaiming, “Third brother!”

“Heavenly Dynasty!”

Seeing the newcomer, Ji Yun Ge’s eyes also grew warm, and he shouted back excitedly.

Chapter 439 Chapter 35 Ji Le Ping

The figure rushed forward rapidly, looking disheveled but with a face filled with excitement. He dashed up to Ji Yun Ge, tears streaking down his aged face:

“Third brother, you’ve finally returned!”

Seeing the old man’s tearful excitement, some people who had gathered around were also astonished. Aside from Ji Yun Ge’s funeral decades ago, they had once again seen this resolute Ji Family War God shedding tears.

“Heavenly Dynasty!”

Ji Yun Ge’s ethereal body also trembled slightly as brotherly reunions brought back a flood of memories.

Meanwhile, on the other floating islands surrounding Sacred Mountain, news swiftly spread through the lofty palaces.

The former War God of the Ji Family, Ji Yun Ge, had returned!

The entire upper echelon of the Ji Family was stirred up, all congregating at Sacred Mountain, making it incredibly bustling.

In front of the Ji Family Ancestral Hall, there were throngs of people, many coming to visit the War God who had perished decades earlier.

Along the way, Ji Yun Ge spoke with his brothers and wife, discussing the events of the years they had missed.

Other sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren followed behind the elders, listened quietly without interrupting, only occasionally whispering inquiries in confusion.

Ji Tian Chao and others were emotionally stirred, but they did not interrupt each other. They had countless questions they wanted to ask Ji Yun Ge.

Where had he been these years? How had he been? How did he return? Everyone missed you dearly… and so on, endless things to say.

Ji Yun Ge also shared his experiences over the years, as well as his reasons for returning.

When they learned that Ji Yun Ge had truly been detained by the Meng River, everyone was both shocked and relieved.

Initially, when Ji Yun Ge had fallen in battle, they searched everywhere for his spirit but found nothing, guessing it might have been swept into the Meng River.

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“A Youdu Level Meng River, someone actually cleared it?”

“That young man, who is he, which clan’s prodigy?”

“What? He is from our Ji Family?!”

“Qingqing’s child?!”

As Ji Yun Ge spoke, the crowd grew even more astounded.

The Youdu Level Meng River, their Ancient Holy Clan was not interested, yet they knew that even the Grand Tao of Peace Realm might not be able to clear it, at best they could destroy it, or even if luck was bad, they might fall within it!

And in the Ancient Family, the Grand Tao of Peace Realm was considered top-notch combat power.

Who would want to sacrifice such strength for an unnecessary risk?

Keep in mind, hunting Demons within the Meng River grants no benefit, those Demons are mostly the detained souls, vanishing upon being slain, as long as the Meng River hasn’t been cleared, with its next opening, these souls would reappear.

And hunting a Great Demon King outside at least brings a trove of treasures from its corpse, benefiting the family for generations.

The Great Wilderness Heaven is riddled with numerous Demons, living more perilously. The Ancient Holy Clan might sound imposing, but many things still needed to be managed with tight calculations, not wasting upper-level strength without cause.

Moreover, there was another reason: the Meng River Merit Treasure Vault in Great Wilderness Heaven had been sealed during the Holy War ten thousand years ago!

Even if someone later cleared a Youdu Level Meng River, accumulating a hundred thousand merits, it still couldn’t be reopened, leading to the Meng River in Great Wilderness Heaven being ignored, avoided when possible to not waste effort.

“What cultivation level does that child have, to be able to clear a Youdu Level Meng River?”

“Qingqing actually has a child, we only knew she had privately married into another race, never thought she actually bore offspring!”

Ji Tian Chao and others wore faces of surprise, with complex gazes.

Ji Qingqing was Old Thirteenth’s daughter, who had early on hunted Great Demon Kings for the family, but unfortunately was attacked and fell by a savage beast.

Fortunately, her spirit returned to the Ancestral Hall, and wasn’t swept away by the Meng River.

Not long ago, Ji Qingqing’s whereabouts were exposed beyond the Great Wilderness Heaven, and upon being brought back to the family, they learned she had secretly married into another race.

Out of respect for Old Thirteenth, his brothers helped cover up the news, not spreading it widely within the Ji Family, but they couldn’t keep it from other high-ranking members, so according to family rules, Ji Qingqing was imprisoned.

However, they didn’t plan to imprison her for life, just a thousand years as a punishment.

This was already considered a mild sentence.

Unexpectedly, Ji Qingqing actually had a child who now came knocking at their door.

But since this child had brought Ji Yun Ge back, he might also be considered as having rendered a great service to the Ji Family.

“Right, that child is fifteen this year, already at the Three Immortal Realms, and he can slay Demon Kings, his strength is not even weaker than the Ultimate Study Realm!”

Referring to Li Hao, Ji Yun Ge’s face lit up with a smile, saying:

“I know the family rules, but that child is truly an exceptional prodigy, the most outstanding child I have ever seen, both in temperament and talent, top-notch!”

“I hope you can look after him, having such a Qilin child in our Ji Family, we will surely soar to great heights in the future, reviving the glory of our Prime Ancestor Saint!”

Hearing his high praises, the crowd was also shocked.

A fifteen-year-old at the Three Immortal Realms?

This indeed counts as a prodigy, considered high-end talent within the Ji Family.

And Ji Yun Ge stated that he was not weaker than the Ultimate Study Realm, such a leap in adversity seemed a bit too large!

At once, some were astonished, some skeptical, while others thought Ji Yun Ge, being saved by the young man, wished to repay him, hence deliberately exaggerated his words, even attempting to vindicate Ji Qingqing by doing so.

But Ji Tian Chao and Ji Yun Ge’s other brothers understood that their Third Brother would never lie about this.

Especially on matters concerning the interests of the family, he was always more serious and earnest than anyone.

Thus, no matter how strange the matter, they were willing to believe it.

“Unexpectedly, Old Thirteenth’s grandchild actually has such incredible abilities!”

Chapter 440 Chapter 35 Ji Le Ping_2

“If Old Thirteenth knew, he might be able to make up for the regret caused by Qingqing’s mistake back then,”

“Qingqing was reckless, but the child she bore seems quite promising. Let’s talk to the family head later. Such an exceptional talent, even if an exception is to be made, should be accommodated…”

Ji Tian Chao and a few old brothers said to Ji Yun Ge.

In their lineage, seeing such an exceptional talent born, they felt consoled and joyful.

Ji Yun Ge smiled, believing that as long as Li Hao demonstrated his talents and contended for the top spot among the exceptional young talents, he would definitely be able to find a place in the Ji Family.

After all, the Ji Family was relatively tolerant towards top demon talents.

Besides, that child was also considered half a member of the Ji Family.

“Where is the child? Why haven’t I seen him?”

“He’s at the foot of the mountain. I told him to wait there. Send someone to bring him up later, but this matter needs to be reported to the family head first,”

Ji Yun Ge said.

The others nodded slightly, agreeing that it was indeed best to obtain the family head’s permission for such an important matter.

Soon, they arrived at the ancestral hall, only to see that the current head of the Ji Family, Ji Daoxin, was already waiting there.

He was Ji Yun Ge’s uncle, from his father’s generation, dressed in luxurious clothes, with snow-white hair and beard, standing there quietly like a tranquil snow mountain Qinglian, giving off a sense of detachment from the world.

Ji Daoxin had a kind face, deep eye sockets, and warm eyes, resembling a benevolent ordinary old grandfather.

But the Ji Family was the Ancient Holy Clan, established through martial prowess, and in the Great Wilderness Heaven, strength reigned supreme. To be the family head, you must be the strongest in the Ji Family.

At that moment, Ji Daoxin looked from afar at Ji Yun Ge who was being escorted over by the crowd. He showed a smile, but it quickly disappeared as his eyes tensed slightly and his expression changed.

Ji Yun Ge also saw him. As their eyes met, Ji Yun Ge noticed the change in his expression and immediately realized that his own situation had most likely been discovered.

“Yun Ge pays respects to the family head!”

Approaching, Ji Yun Ge bowed deeply.

Ji Tian Chao and the others by his side also hurriedly followed suit with their bows.

The younger members went as far as to kneel and bow.

Instantly, everyone except Ji Daoxin was bending or kneeling in the presence of the family head.

Ji Daoxin gazed intently at Ji Yun Ge for a long while before letting out a gentle sigh, “In these final moments, do whatever you wish to do. There’s no need for such formalities.”

Ji Yun Ge’s eyes tensed slightly as he nodded, “Thank you, family head.” Discover exclusive tales on empire

Their conversation, falling in the silent hall, was like a thunderclap in a quiet sky!

Standing beside Ji Yun Ge, Ji Tian Chao, and his true brothers trembled violently, all of them shockingly staring at the family head.

“Family head, what are you saying…”

When they saw Ji Daoxin slightly shaking his head, Ji Tian Chao’s heart quivered, and turning to Ji Yun Ge he asked, “Third brother, what final moments? Weren’t you always with us since you came back?”

With a silent sigh, Ji Yun Ge knew he could no longer hide the truth, and he explained his situation.

When everyone heard that Ji Yun Ge was deeply corroded by the Mo River and would soon dissipate, they were all shocked. Those who were crying tears of joy now began to cover their faces and weep.

“No, impossible!”

Ji Tian Chao bellowed, his whole body shaking, unable to accept this reality.

Having just reunited, they now faced parting again—forever?

It was then that he suddenly thought of Ji Yun Ge’s previous words about looking after that child.

Why wouldn’t he look after the child himself?

So it was that he would completely dissipate…

Realizing this all too late, Ji Tian Chao’s eyes instantly reddened, his face filled with grief, he asked, “Third brother, why, why has this happened?”

Ji Yun Ge let out a silent sigh, softly patting his shoulder, “Tian Chao, after I’m gone, you must assist the family head well, protect the Ji Family, and don’t be as reckless as I was.”

“But third brother, you’ve always been the calm one, I’m the reckless one…”

Ji Tian Chao’s voice choked.

Ji Yun Ge smiled, “We’re both old now, why do you still cry so easily?”

With that, he patted his shoulder again, signaling that it was time to maintain some composure—after all, the two of them were the venerable War Gods of the Ji Family. Such sorrow was unbecoming.

Turning his head to look at the family head Ji Daoxin, Ji Yun Ge then recounted the matter of Li Hao.

Ji Daoxin’s face showed a hint of surprise, but when he saw the earnestness in Ji Yun Ge’s eyes, he knew this was the other’s dying request.

Sighing inwardly, he nodded slightly, “I will consider this matter. If the child is as outstanding as you say, he can indeed become a genius of our Ji Family, but if his strength is lacking… I can only spare his life at most.”

Seeing the patriarch make such a promise in person, Ji Yun Ge breathed a sigh of relief, knowing this was the greatest concession he could expect.

“Thank you, patriarch.”

Ji Yun Ge bowed deeply.

“During these last moments, you actually plead for a child. Don’t you have any other wishes?”

Ji Daoxin said, “When you died in battle, you performed great services for our Ji Family. Whatever you want, just say it.”

Ji Yun Ge smiled, “The things I wanted, the patriarch must have already granted, right? The children are all doing well, and that puts my mind at ease.”

Seeing this, Ji Daoxin gave him a deep look, “Go ahead, offer incense to our ancestors, do whatever you wish to do.”

Ji Yun Ge nodded, then once again bowed deeply, as a gesture of gratitude to his uncle.

Afterward, he glanced over his brothers, seeing that they all had faces filled with grief, he smiled and said:

“I rarely come back, don’t all look so mournful. Shedding tears for me twice is not worth it…”

“Big brother!”

Upon hearing this, they felt an even deeper heartache.

His son stepped forward, his voice choked with emotion:

“Dad, you are always the pride of my heart. Mother has washed her face with tears night and day, far more than just twice!”

Ji Yun Ge’s heart trembled slightly, looking at his wife, seeing those tearful, misty eyes, the other didn’t say anything, but he understood that he had deeply hurt her once again.

Suddenly feeling an ache in his heart as if it was being torn apart, he tried to show a carefree smile, but he couldn’t muster it.

In the end, he had to turn away, facing away from everyone, and murmured softly, “I’ll go and have a few words with Old Thirteenth first.”

With that, he walked into the ancestral hall.

…

…

As the news of Ji Yun Ge’s return spread, more and more people gathered atop Sacred Mountain.

Soon, they learned that although Ji Yun Ge had come back, he could not return to the ancestral hall and would soon dissipate.

Moreover, this soul of the War God of the Ji Family that was trapped in Mo River was sent back by a young man.

The words of high praise Ji Yun Ge had for Li Hao had also spread throughout the Ji Family, all knew the young man was an extraordinary genius.

Before long, a group of young figures flew down the mountain, rushing down the snowy steps to the vast mountain gate.

Quickly, they saw a teenager standing in the grass outside the gate, seemingly taking a walk, looking around curiously.

“Hey!”

One of the youths clad in luxurious clothes shouted, addressing Li Hao, “Are you the one who brought back the War God Yunge? What are you looking around for?”

Upon hearing this, Li Hao slowly turned his head. He wanted to say that his name wasn’t “hey” nor was it Chu Yu Qian.

But seeing the opponent’s piercing eyes, he lost the mood for further words and chose not to respond.

At that moment, more figures came rushing from behind, among them a middle-aged man. As he saw the teenager who was being surrounded and scrutinized by the younger generation of the Ji Family outside the mountain gate, he quickly approached.

“Have you been waiting long? I was sent to escort you up the mountain,” he said.

The middle-aged man revealed a warm smile upon seeing Li Hao; he was one of Ji Yun Ge’s younger brothers sent to meet Li Hao.

“Not really.”

Li Hao saw the courteous attitude and smiled back in response.

Although he had waited a while, he didn’t feel bored, rather he took the time to meticulously observe the holy land of the Ji Family.

The grass and trees here, this was the place where his mother lived…

He found it very intriguing.

“Just call me Ji Boduan, and how shall I address you?” Ji Boduan inquired.

Li Hao was about to speak when he paused. He thought about saying Ji Hao, but suddenly recalling the youth around who seemed to harbor ill intentions, he figured it best to conceal his identity, being new and unaware of the full circumstances.

He thought of another name, the one that the woman had prepared for him but never used.

“You can call me Ji Le Ping,”

said Li Hao.

Chapter 441 Chapter 36 Innate Holy Bone

“Ji Le Ping?”

Hearing Li Hao’s words, Ji Boduan was slightly stunned. Follow the mother’s surname?

It had always been customary to take the father’s surname; it was rare for anyone to take the mother’s surname, and he knew that Li Hao’s mother, Ji Qingqing, had intermarried with a clan from beyond the Great Wilderness Heaven, so it was impossible for that foreign clan to also have the Ji surname.

He glanced at Li Hao, the warmth in his eyes slightly fading.

But considering the rumors from above, that the War God of the Ji Family had highly praised this child and that he couldn’t see through Li Hao’s aura, he remained polite:

“Please follow me.”

Li Hao nodded and followed him.

The two quickly ascended the mountain.

The many younger members of the Ji Family who had come to see the novelty frowned upon hearing Li Hao’s words, some sneering and others scoffing.

“Ji Le Ping? What a bold face!”

“Clearly a barbarian from a foreign tribe, he actually dares to change his surname and seeks to ingratiate himself with our Ji Family!”

“He doesn’t even want his own father’s surname. What a social climber, thinking he can simply burrow into our Ji Family like this.”

“I thought he was truly a peerless genius as the War God had said, but it turns out he’s nothing more than a despicable person resorting to any means necessary. How disappointing.”

“Maybe he deceived the War God with his glib tongue. How else would he have had the luck to pass through the Mo River? It’s truly curious.”

All kinds of unpleasant discussions erupted.

These younger members faced Li Hao without much restraint. They were of the same age and their innate bloodlines made them disdainful of this mixed-blood intermarriage with a foreign tribe.

When they heard of the War God’s high praise, they felt even more indignant, as if someone from a small rural place claimed to be better than they were, which was embarrassing.

Among the crowd, some were descendants of Ji Yun Ge’s siblings. They had come out of curiosity, but upon hearing Li Hao’s words and the surrounding discussions, they could not help but frown inwardly, greatly disappointed in this prodigy their Uncle Yun Ge had spoken of.

Low birth was a minor matter, but to look down upon one’s own lineage was bound to invite contempt.

Many people quickly followed the youth who was swiftly ascending the mountain, their eyes filled with disgust, feeling as though the sacred ground of the Ji Family was being defiled.

If it weren’t for Li Hao bringing back Ji Yun Ge, they would have long expelled such a petty person.

Soon, Li Hao, following Ji Boduan, arrived in the heart of the Sacred Mountain.

This was also where the majority of the Ji Family’s elite direct descendants lived and conducted their daily lives.

Clusters of buildings sprouted like bamboo shoots, spreading across the area, monumental in stature.

The size of this Sacred Mountain was vast, equivalent to several cities, and could accommodate tens of millions of people.

The majority of Ji Family descendants with mediocre talents lived at the mountain’s foothills, in the cities there, focusing on other skills such as Artifact Refining, medicine making, talisman crafting, and so on.

Others tilled the fields, domesticated demons, and each carried out their duties.

At this moment, many people of the Ji Family, having heard the news, rushed to this place, curiously observing Li Hao.

The peak of the Sacred Mountain was not open for ordinary members of the Ji Family to ascend unless summoned.

But the words of Ji Yun Ge had spread throughout the Sacred Mountain, and many messages had already reached the mid-mountain levels. They knew a youth with the Ji Family bloodline had returned the War God.

“Is this the son of that person?”

“I can’t see through his cultivation level; it seems indeed very impressive.”

“What use is being impressive? I just heard he has changed his surname to Ji. His intentions for traveling a thousand miles to come here couldn’t be more obvious, could they?”

“Perhaps even his passing through the Mo River was aided by his family’s joint efforts. It’s a shame we couldn’t find the Mo River where the War God Yun Ge was detained, or we would have long gone to pass through it!”

As the crowd gathered, various discussions arose.

Li Hao, hearing this noisy banter, furrowed his brow. If these were ordinary juniors, he would have ignored them.

But now that there were quite a few middle-aged people among these individuals, also sneering and mocking, his eyes grew colder:

“Is this how the Ji Family treats its guests?”

Just as Ji Boduan had stopped, he gave a wry smile upon hearing Li Hao’s words. He could understand the thoughts behind these discussions; after all, Li Hao’s decision to follow his mother’s surname was indeed contemptible.

Though he was a subordinate of that elder and stood on Li Hao’s side, it was difficult for him to show partiality internally.

However, although he understood the thoughts of these commenters, he was commanded to receive this youth and immediately shouted:

“Disperse, all of you. What’s there to discuss? Make way!”

After scolding, he turned to Li Hao, “Please follow me.”

Saying this, he waved his hand to disperse the gathering crowd and led Li Hao into a grand hall, telling him:

“Rest here for a while. War God Yun Ge is explaining your situation to the family head. When it’s time for you to join the Ji Family, I will come to notify you.”

With that, he turned and left, gently closing the hall doors behind him.

Li Hao frowned but said nothing.

He had heard all the remarks along the way and knew explanations were of no use, so there was no need to bother explaining.

Once he saw his mother and if he could help her out of trouble, he would leave this place.

After all, the Dayu Divine Dynasty was always vulnerable to demon attacks, and although he was not a member of the Li Family, as he had said, he was a human, and therefore would willingly offer his strength to the Dayu Divine Dynasty.

Moreover, he had not yet repaid the grace bestowed upon him by that emperor.

…

…

Atop the Sacred Mountain.

Ji Yun Ge had already come out from the ancestral shrine, having offered incense to the ancestors and met the souls of his fallen brothers.

The spirits, learning that he could not return to the shrine and was about to dissipate, were all deeply grieved and saddened.

Ji Yun Ge had told Old Thirteenth that he had a grandson who was very promising and would become a prodigy of the Ji Family.

Chapter 442 Chapter 36 Innate Holy Bone_2

When he detailed Li Hao’s performance at the Mo River to the Old Thirteenth, the latter was so shocked that he couldn’t close his mouth, and his expression turned complex, filled with sorrow for Ji Yun Ge and curiosity whether his own grandson was truly as outstanding as he heard.

“At fifteen, able to fight in the Ultimate Study Realm, Qingqing actually gave birth to such a mighty bloodline!”

“Ah, Qingqing was thoughtless back then, but thankfully the Heavenly Dynasty and her elder brothers stepped forward to plead on her behalf, saving her from lifelong imprisonment. Still, enduring a millennium… it’s too hard!”

This Old Thirteenth was feeling conflicted.

Initially, upon learning that his daughter had secretly married outside of their race, he was almost furious enough to dissipate his noble spirit.

But in the end, she was his own daughter, and aside from helplessness and anger, he was out of options, as the deed was already done.

As a father, even if his children made great mistakes, he could only risk his life to protect them, blaming himself for failing to educate his daughter well, the guilt was on him.

Now, his daughter had given him a prodigious grandson, which brought some solace to his gloomy heart.

Ji Yun Ge walked out of the ancestral shrine, bade farewell to the clan leader, and followed his several brothers and his wife and children back to their residence.

Looking at the familiar landscapes of the past, Ji Yun Ge’s heart was filled with nostalgia

The others also suppressed their sorrow, intending to accompany Ji Yun Ge with a smile through his last journey.

On their journey, Ji Yun Ge thought of Li Hao and inquired:

“Has the child been properly settled?”

“Third brother, you’re in this condition, why are you still thinking about that child? You’re already…”

Ji Tian Chao’s heart was aching, his face had been smiling all the way, but at this moment, he could hardly maintain it.

Next to him, the Sixth, Ji Yunqing, tugged at him and immediately said to Ji Yun Ge, “Someone has been sent to take care of it, let me ask Qingmeng.”

He promptly called someone over.

Before long, a woman rushed over, quickly bowed, and paid her respects to her elders one by one.

“How is the child being settled, have people seen him?” Ji Yunqing asked.

The woman who arrived was his daughter, Ji Qingmeng, also Ji Qingqing’s cousin, who looked graceful and dignified with willow-shaped eyebrows and almond-shaped eyes, an elegant demeanor, and she responded:

“My daughter has sent people to receive him, and has brought him to the Guest Reception Hall. The clan leader is currently discussing the matter, but it’s been said that Senior Qing Yuan doesn’t wish to agree…”

“Qing Yuan?”

Ji Yun Ge was surprised, “Whose child is this?”

The Qing generation should be the children of his brothers and sisters, except for a few special cases.

Like his ninth brother Ji Tian Chao, who was especially favored by their father and was exceptionally granted a name from an ancestor that had passed away, with very high expectations.

And the ninth brother indeed did not disappoint their father’s expectations.

“He’s not from our line, but from a collateral branch.” Ji Yunqing explained immediately, “His great-grandfather was originally of the main bloodline, but being of ordinary talent, he married a woman from a collateral branch. As such, the line was passed down and gradually became secondary. However, in his generation, for some reason, he suddenly gained great fortune, born with the Innate Holy Bone!”

“Shortly after you left, third brother, he showed extraordinary talent, breaking through successively in the Four Stands Realm, stepping into the Tao Comprehension Realm in one fell swoop, and now he stands together with Tian Chao as one of the three War Gods of our Ji Family.”

Ji Yun Ge was slightly stunned, having thought that the Ji Family would need to keep a low profile for a while after his passing. He hadn’t expected that a new War God would emerge.

A transcender of the Grand Tao of Peace Realm, one who comprehends the Tao!

“This person is of the same generation as us, but due to coming from a collateral line, he’s a bit lower in seniority and belongs to Qingqing’s generation. He used to call us ‘uncle’ when we met in the past,” said the Fourth.

Ji Yun Ge immediately understood.

From a collateral line and yet possessing the Innate Holy Bone, that’s truly hitting the jackpot.

Their Prime Ancestor was of the Saint Realm, and those in the Saint Realm could inherit the Holy Bone, just as those in the Three Immortal Realms could inherit the Divine Blood.

Unlike the Saint Realm, the chance of inheriting Divine Blood is extremely high, unless the parental generation is indulgent, producing an excessive number of offspring, overindulging in desire, which would result in a decreased probability of inheriting the Divine Blood.

But with the Holy Bone, even with a bloodline concentration that’s exceedingly pure in a direct descendant, there’s no guarantee of inheritance.

It’s entirely up to fate.

It can only be said that a pure bloodline can slightly increase the chance of success.

And once the Holy Bone is awakened, one will have the stature to question the holy!

This is also why the Ji Family prohibits marriages with outside races, trying to maintain the purity of the main bloodline as much as possible.

“This person is low-key and patient. Before reaching the Four Stands Realm, no one knew he carried the Holy Bone. Only afterward did he burst onto the scene, continually breaking through. He probably had already accumulated a profound foundation, which allowed him to easily break through and step into the Tao Comprehension Realm!” Ji Yunqing said.

Ji Yun Ge nodded slightly. Among their sixteen siblings, only a part of them had a deep brotherly bond and got along harmoniously.

And after all, the Ji Family was an Ancient Family with a lineage of ten thousand years, with complex and interwoven branches, so it was inevitable that many internal conflicts would arise.

Since this person came from a collateral line, his caution was to be expected.

“What about the clan leader, what did he say?” Ji Yun Ge asked.

Ji Daoxin had promised him, and he believed that the clan leader would not go back on his word.

“The clan leader said he is willing to give that child a chance. Right now, that Ji Qingyuan is leading others to argue about this, saying that we absolutely must not break the rules, at most offer some other compensation, and not executing that child is already letting him off lightly…” Ji Qingmeng explained, then seemed to realize she was getting into too much detail. Her uncle didn’t have much time to listen to her go into the specifics and promptly said:

“But the clan leader’s word has been given, and there’s no chance of changing it, so uncle, you can rest assured.”

Ji Yunqing said coldly, “That Ji Qingyuan also knows this, he’s just using it as an excuse to make things difficult, aiming to gain benefits for their own side.”

Ji Yun Ge nodded slightly, then said with a smile:

“These are all trivial matters. As long as that child shows his talents, I believe the clan leader will know that receiving that child into the Ji Family is not because I’m using my past achievements to exchange for this favor, but because I have established a great merit for our Ji Family before my death!”