Cultivation Begins from Infancy - Chapter 292

Volume 3 - Chapter 38: How Dare You Insult Me So Lightly? - Part 1

"This spear—he can't dodge it!"

"Can this young man withstand the strike of Mingque?"

As the dazzling spear light streaked through the air, onlookers watched with bated breath. This was an attack from the Dao Heart Realm, unavoidable without exceptional movement techniques at the Absolute Technique Stage.

Unless one mastered a pinnacle body technique, capable of temporarily eluding even Dao Rhythms, evasion was nearly impossible.

But this boy was so young. Could he have possibly spent enough time in cultivation to master such techniques?

Boom!

The destructive spear light arrived in a flash, displacing the air before Li Hao and hurtling toward him with lethal intent.

The electric arcs of destruction coiled around the spear light, tearing apart the ground beneath Li Hao’s feet. Threads of black, spiraling killing intent emanated from it, exuding an aura of terror.

Li Hao didn’t attempt to evade. Instead, he raised his fist and struck forward.

As the spear light collided with his fist, a dazzling aurora erupted, so blinding that no one could keep their eyes open. Yet, in the next instant, the destructive energy dissipated, leaving Li Hao completely unharmed.

Ji Mingque’s expression shifted dramatically as he stared at Li Hao with suspicion.

Although he hadn't used his full strength in that strike, it had carried seven to eight parts of his power—more than enough to pierce through someone at the Three Immortals Realm. Yet, Li Hao had blocked it unscathed?

The crowd, gathered to spectate, was equally stunned by the sight.

"That boy actually withstood a spear strike from Mingque!"

"Could it be that he’s also stepped into the Fourth Pillar Realm? But he looks so young! Another Geniuses, perhaps?"

"No wonder he earned the praise of the War God Yunge. It seems he really is extraordinary."

"After all, he carries the bloodline of the Ji family. His mother was part of the main branch, and his bloodline might be even purer than some of the direct descendants!"

The crowd, previously dismissive of the young man, now began murmuring in astonishment, their tone shifting from disdain to grudging respect.

Though the Ji family was rife with strife between the legitimate and illegitimate branches, they always acknowledged and tolerated strength. The harsh environment of the Great Wilderness Heaven fostered a society where strength commanded respect.

Li Hao’s display of power silenced many of those who had insulted and belittled him. Regardless of whether he was admitted into the Ji family, it was clear—he was a Genius.

In the Great Wilderness Heaven, a Geniuses was not to be insulted lightly.

"It seems you do have some skill. In light of your service in escorting the War God Yunge back, I won’t hold this against you," Ji Mingque said coldly, intending to back down.

"If you can withstand one punch from me, I’ll acknowledge you as well," Li Hao replied as he stepped forward.

Ji Mingque froze for a moment, his face darkening. "Are you challenging me?"

"One spear for one punch. That’s fair," Li Hao said calmly.

Ji Mingque couldn’t help but laugh in anger. "Do you really think you’re qualified to face me? I held back just now. If I hadn’t, you’d already be on the ground!"

"I’ll hold back as well," Li Hao replied without arguing further.

Ji Mingque’s eyes widened in fury. For the first time, he felt as though he’d met someone even more arrogant than himself.

"Fine, then let’s see what you’ve got!"

With those words, an immense aura erupted from Ji Mingque, his veins surging with power as his hair billowed wildly. It was clear that his rage had reached its peak.

Just as Li Hao prepared to strike, a group of figures rushed toward them from a distance, one of them shouting, "Stop this at once!"

The crowd in the plaza outside the Welcoming Hall turned to look, and when they saw the figure at the forefront, their expressions changed drastically. Many immediately knelt and bowed in reverence.

"Greetings to the War God Qingyuan!"

"Greetings to the War God Qingyuan!"

The synchronized chants echoed as everyone bowed their heads.

Even Ji Mingque and those in the air halted, their faces shifting as they quickly bent in salute when they saw Ji Qingyuan approaching with a group of elders.

Ji Qingyuan’s expression remained calm. Though he was born of an illegitimate branch, his achievements had earned him unparalleled respect within the Ji family, from both legitimate and illegitimate members alike. On the sacred mountain, even the direct descendants knelt before him as though worshipping a deity.

This was something he had long grown accustomed to.

In his private struggles against Ji Daoxin, their contention had always been for the rights of the illegitimate branches.

After all, he was now the leader of the illegitimate lineage, naturally bearing certain responsibilities.

Seeing the shattered doors of the Welcoming Hall and the chaotic scene within, Ji Qingyuan immediately discerned the situation. His gaze lingered briefly on Ji Yufen, who was sprawled on the ground at the feet of the unfamiliar young man. A faint chill flickered in his eyes.

"What is going on here?"

An elder stepped forward and shouted angrily, his fury directed at Li Hao as though demanding an explanation.

Ji Mingque and the others lowered their heads, offering no response. Ji Boduan, however, quickly stepped forward and explained, "Elder Qingfeng, this is all a misunderstanding. Yufen only wished to spar with Young Master Leping; they were merely exchanging pointers."

"Young Master? He’s not even part of the Ji family yet!" the elder barked, his tone harsh.

Ji Boduan’s face tensed, and he quickly fell silent.

"Qingfeng, don’t forget your father’s name!"

A frail but imposing elderly woman appeared, arriving atop the Welcoming Hall with astonishing speed. She positioned herself subtly in front of Li Hao, shielding him from view.

"This is the Welcoming Hall! Such reckless behavior—fighting here of all places! Have you no sense of propriety?"

Her piercing gaze swept over Ji Qingfeng and then turned toward Ji Mingque and the other Geniuses.

Ji Mingque and his companions immediately stiffened at the sight of her, bowing respectfully.

"Fourth Aunt, if propriety is the issue, favoritism should not come into play," Ji Qingfeng retorted, his expression dark.

"Favoritism? When has the Ji family ever acted so disgracefully, attacking someone in the Welcoming Hall?" the woman, Ji Yun Yue, said, her face filled with anger.

"Not killing him is already merciful enough. He isn’t part of the Ji family yet!" Ji Qingfeng snapped coldly.

"You’re utterly shameless!" Ji Yun Yue raged. "He’s your nephew! Do you mean to kill your own kin?"

"Family law is family law. Clan rules are clan rules. My father was a man of fairness and integrity, and so am I. Anyone who violates the rules will face consequences, whether it’s my nephew or even my son!" Ji Qingfeng said icily.

"Whether he’s in the wrong or not, the family head has already made a decision. It’s not your place to interfere!" Ji Yun Yue retorted angrily.

Their family consisted of fifteen brothers and seven sisters, totaling twenty-two members of the "Yun" generation.

Over the years, many had perished in battle or died young, leaving only twelve surviving members. But even among these, two factions had formed, refusing to associate with one another.

The root of the conflict lay in their father’s favoritism toward their ninth brother, Ji Tianchao, many years ago. His excessive indulgence had sparked jealousy among the siblings, fostering resentment that extended to their children.

When their father passed, these fractures deepened, erupting into open disputes that severed familial bonds.

Such discord was an inevitable wound in great family lineages—a web of grievances that defied resolution.

"Hmph!"

Ji Qingfeng sneered coldly, his gaze filled with disdain.

The gathering crowd now split visibly into two camps, led respectively by Ji Yun Yue and Ji Qingyuan.

At the same time, news of the disturbance reached the upper echelons of the sacred mountain, where a magnificent scene unfolded.

Nestled in the picturesque rear hills was a serene pastoral courtyard.

Ji Yunge’s figure had become increasingly ethereal, as though fading from existence.

He stood quietly, gazing at the fertile fields, the wellspring of life, and the verdant vegetable garden on the hillside. His eyes reflected sorrow and longing.

Pausing briefly, he addressed Ji Tianchao and the others, "Stay here. In my final moments, let Xiao Mu accompany me."

Ji Tianchao and the others stared at his nearly transparent form with tear-filled eyes, suppressing their grief.

"Third Brother," Ji Tianchao said through gritted teeth, "I swear, I won’t spare a single person who attacked you back then!"

Ji Yunge smiled faintly, taking his wife’s hand. "Just remember the promise you made to me. The Ji family’s fortune has reached its zenith. It will inevitably rise again in the future."

With that, he smiled gently at his wife, said no more, and led her along a path lined with lush green grass.

"Father..."

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