Cultivation Begins from Infancy - Chapter 294

Volume 3 - Chapter 39: Measuring the Sacred Bones

Hearing Ji Tianchao’s stern rebuke, the gathered onlookers displayed expressions of guilt.

Indeed, the young man had returned Ji Yunge to the Ji family, escorting back the War God who had once shielded them. The return of this heroic soul was a monumental merit for the Ji family.

Never mind that the young man was a mixed-blood from an outside tribe—his sins, even if severe, could be forgiven.

In the ensuing silence, Ji Tianchao glanced at Ji Qingfeng. Disappointment flashed in his eyes, but he said nothing.

The grievances of the previous generation had spilled over to their descendants—a reality Ji Tianchao was long aware of. Yet, he disliked explanations. His sole aspiration was to slay more enemies and vanquish more demons, hoping to show his siblings that their father’s favoritism, while undeniable, could be repaid through contributions to their family!

From within the crowd, a figure suddenly burst forward, rushing into the Welcoming Hall to see the unconscious Ji Yufen. They cried out in alarm:

“Yufen!”

The voice of a mother awakened the boy at Li Hao’s feet, his consciousness slowly returning.

“Where did this bastard come from, daring to harm my son!”

The woman in her luxurious, dark green attire glared at Li Hao with fury, spitting insults.

Ji Tianchao and the others immediately looked displeased. Though Ji Qingqing had erred by marrying an outsider, Li Hao was still their grandson, sharing the same bloodline as them.

“Silence!”

Ji Tianchao’s commanding voice reverberated with authority.

The woman’s expression shifted slightly under the weight of his words, realizing her slip of the tongue. Still, her indignation burned as she said, “War God Tianchao, my son is a prodigy. You cannot favor outsiders...”

“Your son dares to call himself a prodigy?”

Ji Tianchao roared, “Defeated by another and still brazen enough to insult others? When has a true prodigy of the Ji family ever behaved so disgracefully!”

The woman hurriedly defended, “But my son entered the Three Immortals Realm at just fifteen! With his extraordinary talent, he’s likely to reach the Dao Realm within twenty years. How could he not be a prodigy?”

“If he were a prodigy, how could he have been defeated?”

Ji Tianchao replied coldly.

Fifteen years old and stepping into the Three Immortals Realm was a rare achievement, but only Ji Tianchao could dismiss such talent as unworthy, for he himself had been even more remarkable in his youth.

“Who knows what tricks that outsider used! My son earned his title of prodigy through hard-fought battles!” The woman gritted her teeth, her gaze filled with resentment as she glared at Li Hao.

Ji Tianchao’s eyes turned frosty. “If you’re unconvinced, let them duel again in front of everyone. If your son loses, he forfeits the title of prodigy. Do you agree?”

The woman’s face turned pale. She hesitated but ultimately held her tongue.

Seeing her silence, Ji Tianchao sneered, “Your son’s talent may be adequate, but with a mother who spoils him, he’s bound to be ruined. Arrogant and disrespectful—he’s no prodigy! For the next ten years, send him to train on Bitter Cliff Mountain. If he doesn’t achieve Reverse Fate, you, as his mother, are forbidden to see him!”

“War God Tianchao!”

The woman cried out in desperation, but when she saw the icy glare in Ji Tianchao’s eyes, her heart sank. She dared not say another word.

...

“Old Ninth, are you showing favoritism to this boy?”

A figure stepped out from the crowd, dressed in a dark robe that exuded nobility.

Seeing him, Ji Tianchao and those around him, including Ji Yun Yue, all showed subtle shifts in expression.

“Elder Brother!”

Complex emotions flashed across Ji Tianchao’s eyes, followed by a trace of anger.

“I dare not accept such an address,” the elder man in the dark robe said indifferently. “Adhering to family laws and clan rules is what ensures our clan’s survival. You’ve already broken the rules once—do you intend to break them again?”

Ji Tianchao caught the implication in his elder brother’s words. His expression darkened, a tinge of pain flickering in his gaze.

“Elder Brother, Third Brother has just departed,” Ji Tianchao said gravely.

The elder man’s face, usually indifferent, faltered slightly upon hearing this. A hint of astonishment appeared in his eyes. Seeing the sorrow in Ji Tianchao’s gaze, his fingers curled subtly within his sleeves.

But his expression quickly turned cold once more, even colder than before.

“Did he leave without seeing me, his elder brother, one last time?”

Ji Tianchao let out a bitter laugh. “Elder Brother, Third Brother was but a battered soul. Shouldn’t it have been you who sought him out?”

The elder man fell silent.

Ji Tianchao cast him a deep, disappointed glance but quickly collected himself. His expression hardened as he surveyed the gathered crowd.

Facing countless faces, he declared in a frosty tone:

“Our clan’s laws and rules must be upheld. Yet in our clan, strength reigns supreme. The capable shall rise, and everyone has the opportunity to ascend. Whether born legitimate or illegitimate, even a servant can become a prodigy and enjoy the clan’s finest cultivation resources—so long as they are exceptional enough!”

“Does anyone oppose this?”

The hall fell silent. This principle had long been a cornerstone of the Ji family, and no one dared challenge it.

Strength above all and the survival of the fittest—this was the universal creed of the Great Wilderness Heaven.

Ji Tianchao’s gaze turned steely. “Since everyone agrees, his victory over Ji Yufen qualifies him as one of our clan’s prodigies. He deserves the treatment befitting a prodigy!”

Ji Qingfeng’s expression shifted as he glanced at his father, the elder man in the dark robe. Yet the latter’s gaze had lifted toward the peak of the Sacred Mountain, seemingly lost in thought.

“I haven’t lost yet!”

The silence was broken by a defiant voice as Ji Yufen, lying at Li Hao’s feet, struggled to his feet.

His face flushed with shame and anger. Surrounded by so many onlookers, the fact that he had been defeated by a mixed-blood outsider was a humiliation beyond words!

“Go back to sleep.”

Li Hao raised his hand and smacked Ji Yufen on the back of the head, sending him crashing into a pit at his feet once more.

The boy, just barely conscious, fell back into slumber in an instant.

The crowd couldn’t help but twitch at the sight. This outsider boy wasn’t trying to curry favor with the Ji family or elevate his status. He was outright ruthless and brazen!

“Yufen!”

The woman in the green robe nearly fainted in anger.

Ji Tianchao and Ji Yun Yue exchanged glances, momentarily stunned. Seeing the boy’s calm expression, as if nothing had happened, they couldn’t help but find the situation amusing.

This boy was evidently far braver than they had imagined.

Meanwhile, Ji Qingyuan and the others wore grim expressions. They could see from Li Hao’s effortless suppression of Ji Yufen that his strength was on an entirely different level.

At this point, any further argument was pointless.

In the heavy silence, Ji Daoxin stepped forward, positioning himself between the two War Gods. He scanned the crowd before speaking:

“This child bears the Ji family’s bloodline. Considering his merit in escorting the War God back home, he is eligible to be included in our family records. Having defeated Yufen, he possesses the qualities of a prodigy. From now on, treat him as an equal to any other prodigy of our Ji family!”

As the head of the family, Ji Daoxin’s appearance caused everyone to stiffen and bow in respect.

After delivering his decree, Ji Daoxin glanced at the boy standing in the Welcoming Hall, then turned to Ji Tianchao and said:

“Let the boy undergo the Sacred Bone measurement. If he possesses Sacred Bones, there will be no further dispute.”

Hearing this, Ji Tianchao nodded slightly.

Among the Ancient Holy Clans, Sacred Bones were revered above all. If the boy truly carried Sacred Bones, any attempt to expel him would likely incite opposition from every corner.

Sacred Bones signified the potential for sainthood—one who could lead a clan to new heights in the future.

Ji Yun Yue sighed in relief at the resolution. She stepped lightly into the hall, landing beside Li Hao. Her gaze swept over him, scrutinizing his features, and she found traces of resemblance to Qingqing.

“You’re Qingqing’s child, aren’t you? What’s your name?”

“Leping,” Li Hao replied calmly.

Ji Yun Yue murmured the name, “Leping. Did your mother give you this name?”

“How did you know?” Li Hao asked, surprised.

“Qingqing has always disliked conflict. She probably hoped her child could live a peaceful and happy life,” Ji Yun Yue said with a faint smile.

Li Hao fell silent for a moment.

That woman, who disliked fighting, had ultimately married a general who spent his life on the battlefield.

“Come, let’s test your Sacred Bones. With such extraordinary talent, you might be born with them—a gift that points to sainthood,” Ji Yun Yue said softly, her aged face gentle with kindness.

Li Hao, already aware of some of the Ji family’s customs from Ji Yunge during their journey, didn’t object.

Accompanied by Ji Yun Yue, he made his way toward Ji Tianchao and the others.

Ji Yun Yue didn’t rush to introduce Li Hao to the gathered elders. She intended to wait until matters had settled before having him formally acknowledge his maternal uncles.

Ji Daoxin gave Li Hao a small smile before turning to lead the way, soaring into the air.

Ji Qingyuan and others, realizing the matter had been settled, said nothing more. Instead, they followed along, curious to see if this boy—whose talent exceeded Ji Yufen’s—truly possessed Sacred Bones.

If Sacred Bones were found within him, it could mean the rise of another War God for the Ji family—an event of immense significance!

Despite internal strife, the Ji family held immense respect for War Gods. Of course, there were exceptions, as with any large clan.

“The boy is about to test for Sacred Bones. Do you think he has them?”

“It’s possible. How else could an outsider be so strong, effortlessly suppressing someone like Ji Yufen, who is slightly older than him?”

“Not just Ji Yufen! Earlier, even Ji Mingque couldn’t gain the upper hand against him. Without Sacred Bones, how could he possess such power?”

“Could it be that our Ji family will see the rise of another War God?”

“Haha, if that’s true, it would be a great blessing! The return of War God Yunge along with a new War God—surely the heavens favor us!”

As the crowd murmured among themselves, they began flocking toward the mid-mountain Sacred Platform to witness the boy’s test for Sacred Bones.

...

Before the Sacred Platform, a vast open space resembled a grand training ground, with an altar towering at its center.

Hearing that someone was about to test for Sacred Bones, many influential members of the Ji family had gathered. Only those with considerable status and cultivation could approach the Sacred Platform.

Ji Daoxin instructed the elders to prepare the sacred incense used to honor their ancestors.

The Sacred Bone measurement would occur alongside a ceremonial offering to the ancestors, requiring numerous rituals and procedures.

As preparations continued, more and more people arrived.

Li Hao stood beside Ji Yun Yue, while Ji Tianchao, Ji Yun Yue, and others formed a protective circle around him, as if guarding against potential harm.

Nearby stood Ji Qingfeng and his group. A few other members of the Yun generation had also arrived, their expressions cold as they ignored Ji Tianchao and his faction.

The siblings had long been divided into opposing factions, yet here at the Sacred Platform, proximity was dictated by lineage, and they stood according to their paternal branches.

Noticing the growing crowd, Li Hao glanced up toward the peak of the Sacred Mountain and asked Ji Yun Yue quietly:

“Elder, is Senior Yunge still here?”

Ji Yun Yue hesitated at the question, while Ji Tianchao and others trembled slightly but did not speak.

Even the elder man in the dark robe, standing not far away, cast a sidelong glance at Li Hao upon hearing his concerned tone.

Despite their conflicts with Ji Tianchao and his brothers, Ji Yunge’s unrestrained personality had left them with neither particularly good nor bad relations. Ji Yunge, lacking Sacred Bones, had forged his own path to become the Ji family’s War God. His ability to return to the family, even as a spirit, was due entirely to this boy’s efforts.

“Silence,” Ji Qingfeng said with irritation.

“Qingfeng,” the elder in the dark robe muttered.

Ji Qingfeng faltered, looking up at his father’s icy gaze in confusion.

“Third Brother... he’s gone,” Ji Yun Yue said, her voice soft and tinged with sorrow.

Though her words were quiet, they struck the others like a thunderclap. Their bodies trembled as realization set in.

The Third Brother... had departed?

Their faces turned grim. Ji Yunge’s death in battle had denied them the chance to say goodbye, and now, even after his return, he had disappeared without a trace.

Li Hao froze momentarily. Gone already?

He lowered his head slightly, sighing inwardly.

By now, the rituals had concluded. Ji Daoxin turned and called out for Li Hao to step forward.

Ji Yun Yue quickly recomposed herself and offered Li Hao a few words of advice.

Li Hao nodded before ascending into the air to join Ji Daoxin at the altar.

Instantly, countless eyes turned to focus on Li Hao.

Many members of the Ji family who had arrived late were already aware of how Li Hao had defeated Ji Yufen. They also knew that this boy had escorted War God Yunge back to the family.

“So, it’s him?”

“He looks young, yet he defeated Ji Yufen?”

“While Yufen isn’t the strongest among prodigies, he’s still the most powerful of his age group.”

“And this boy seems even younger than Yufen...”

The murmurs grew louder as Ji Daoxin addressed Li Hao.

“Step forward and apply your blood to the Sacred Pillar,” he instructed.

A massive silver-white Sacred Pillar stood upon the altar, coiled with ancient dao patterns and exuding profound wisdom.

Li Hao nodded. He bit down on his finger with force. Thankfully, his teeth were tougher than his skin, as even divine weapons would struggle to harm his Nine-Forged Physique.

Controlling his breath, he tore the wound open, squeezed out blood, and smeared it onto the Sacred Pillar.

As he steadied his breathing, the wound closed instantly.

Table of Content - Next Chapter >>>