Cultivation Begins from Infancy - Chapter 290

Volume 3 - Chapter 37: Suppressed with Two Slaps - Part 1

At the peak of the Sacred Mountain, within the Ji family’s Hall of Deliberation...

The Ji family had numerous branches. Except for the few brothers closely acquainted with Ji Yunge, who were accompanying him on his final journey, the rest of the elders and branch representatives had gathered here.

Previously, some had wanted to visit Ji Yunge. After all, he was the Ji family’s War God and deserved respect on the surface. However, Ji Daoxin, the family head, stopped them. Ji Daoxin discerned that Ji Yunge had returned to the family at the brink of his demise purely out of lingering attachment to certain family matters.

As for the larger crowd, they were unlikely to leave an impression on Ji Yunge and might even become a hindrance.

Having fought for the Ji family his entire life, Ji Daoxin wished for him to depart quietly, in the way he preferred, free from worldly distractions during his final moments.

At present, some elders and branch leaders had gathered to discuss Ji Yunge's return.

“It’s a pity the War God Yunge is about to pass away. Otherwise, the young man bringing his heroic soul back to us would have made a significant contribution to the Ji family!”

“Yunge wants this boy to join the Ji family, but that would surely break our rules.”

“Back then, we showed leniency to Ji Qingqing because of Lord Thirteen. Despite her status as a direct descendant, she committed a grave crime. Now, she’s only been sentenced to a thousand years of confinement. If we let her son join the clan, it could spell our family’s decline!”

“That’s right. If we break this precedent, how will we handle future prodigies marrying outsiders?”

The crowd erupted into debate, with most voicing opposition. Among them, some were clearly instigating the discussion, forming a faction secretly led by Ji Qingyuan.

Since Ji Qingyuan’s consecutive breakthroughs into the Fourth Pillar Realm, becoming the Ji family’s new War God, many had sought to align themselves with him.

Seated on a vine-carved chair beside Ji Daoxin was an elderly man with snow-white hair. Despite his serene expression, he exuded an aura of unquestionable authority—Ji Qingyuan himself.

His gaze remained indifferent, as if uninvolved in the argument. Yet his initial words of dissent had made his stance clear, prompting his supporters to attack fervently.

“I have already agreed to Yunge’s request. He is the Ji family’s War God, who has dedicated his life to battles for our family. Now that his soul can return home, shouldn’t we be grateful to that young man?” Ji Daoxin said calmly.

“Moreover, the matter with Qingqing is settled and need not be revisited. That young man carries Qingqing’s bloodline, yet he is an outsider. By our rules, he should indeed be executed. However, he risked his life, knowing this danger, to escort Yunge back. His sincerity is something you should all consider carefully.”

“Family head, that young man’s intentions are obvious—he hopes to use his service as leverage to join the Ji family,” one elder remarked. “His ambition couldn’t be clearer.”

“Indeed! Hoping to rise using the Ji family’s resources is sheer delusion!” another elder, known for his fiery temper, added. His family had seen glory in his grandfather’s generation.

“Gentlemen,” interjected another, this time from Ji Yunge’s branch, “didn’t the War God Yunge himself say that the boy possesses extraordinary talent? If the Ji family truly gains such a prodigy, wouldn’t that be a blessing?”

“Hmph! The Ji family doesn’t lack prodigies. With our resources, even the dimmest talent can be nurtured into a genius. Why would we need a half-blood mongrel?” the hot-tempered elder sneered.

His harsh insult caused several people’s expressions to darken in anger.

These individuals were from Ji Yunge’s branch. Ji Qingqing’s child, after all, was one of their younger relatives, sharing their bloodline more closely. However, the Ji family’s prohibition of intermarriage had resulted in countless executions or imprisonments. Those from ordinary backgrounds were insulted even more harshly. Despite their indignation, they knew showing anger over this would only provoke more hostility.

“Let’s take a step back. If we allow him to join the Ji family, would he be considered a direct descendant or from a branch?” another elder inquired.

At this, the previously heated debate quieted somewhat, and all eyes turned to Ji Daoxin.

Ji Daoxin swept a calm glance at Ji Qingyuan, recognizing the real motive behind his presence.

The Ji family’s unity in facing external threats often masked internal conflicts accumulated over millennia. These tensions, rooted in differences between the direct and branch lineages, were particularly exacerbated by disparities in bloodline purity and the presence of Sacred Bones.

For instance, branch members could only live on the floating islands outside the Sacred Mountain, even if they reached great heights of power.

Ji Qingyuan, despite his War God title, was no exception. He could not reside on the Sacred Mountain. Even the "Qing" character in his name marked him as inferior to his direct-lineage peers of the same generation.

This divide between direct descendants and branch members had become deeply ingrained in the Ji family’s very marrow, fostering prejudice and arrogance over the centuries.

For instance, some descendants of once-noble ancestors, despite having fallen into poverty and obscurity, would still pride themselves on their imperial heritage, often to the point of delusion. They clung to past glories while refusing to acknowledge their present decline. Similarly, ancient noble families would disdain newly risen merchant magnates, labeling them vulgar despite their success.

Such arrogance was human nature—finding superiority in one’s strengths while mocking others’ shortcomings. Even individuals of no merit might belittle those who had risen through their talents, solely on superficial grounds like appearance, finding solace in such comparisons.

The divide in the Ji family, however, was not purely imaginary. The differences in strength, talent, and influence between direct descendants and branch members were real and pronounced, which allowed the direct lineage to maintain dominance over the family.

Cases like Ji Qingyuan—branch members who unexpectedly awakened Sacred Bones and rose to prominence—were exceedingly rare, with only two such examples in the family’s history.

After enduring years of belittlement, such figures naturally harbored anger and resentment. Ji Daoxin understood Ji Qingyuan’s feelings and sympathized to an extent, but he also knew the issue was a deadlock, one that only a saint of extraordinary wisdom could resolve.

But Ji Daoxin was no saint, and unless the Ji family’s founding ancestor were to return and wield their unparalleled influence, the strife between the direct lineage and branches—rooted in bloodlines and the presence of Sacred Bones—would remain an eternal wound.

The current situation with the young man was merely a flashpoint, a symptom of the deeper divide. The problem did not lie solely with the boy; it was also tied to Ji Qingyuan’s ambitions and the countless grievances accumulated over millennia within the Ji family.

After a long pause, Ji Daoxin finally said, “He is Ji Qingqing’s child and should be considered part of the direct lineage. However, whether he is classified as a direct descendant or branch member will depend on his bloodline purity. According to Yunge, he has the makings of a prodigy, so it’s possible he possesses our Ji family’s Sacred Bone.”

“If he has a Sacred Bone, he should naturally be ranked among the direct lineage. If he lacks it and has only average talent, he will be placed in the branch family. What does everyone think?”

Hearing this, the elders exchanged glances, their eyes flickering with unspoken thoughts. Meanwhile, Ji Qingyuan felt Ji Daoxin’s gaze land on him. He realized that the family head was seeking his response.

However, Ji Qingyuan’s expression remained impassive, and he chose not to speak.

“If he is classified as a branch member,” one elder ventured, “then whether he becomes one of the Ji family’s prodigies will depend on his own strength.”

“That’s correct. Escorting the War God Yunge back may spare him from execution, but that’s the limit of his merit. Not killing him outright should already be considered merciful. How dare an outsider’s bloodline think to taint our Ji family? The very notion is laughable!”

“Do the rest of you truly agree to let him join the Ji family?” another elder added. “I object. Even if he’s placed in the branch family, he’s unworthy!”

“If his outsider bloodline were to intermarry with the branch family, wouldn’t our bloodline become even thinner?”

The debate reignited, with voices clamoring for and against.

Ji Daoxin noticed Ji Qingyuan remaining unmoved. His eyes narrowed slightly, and his expression grew darker. At last, he declared in a cold voice, “Enough!”

Though spoken softly, the two words instantly silenced the hall.

These elders, though seemingly quarrelsome, were neither reckless nor without purpose. Their words were calculated, each with a specific aim. Now, seeing that they had angered the family head, many visibly tensed.

“If anyone has further objections, let the Elder Council convene to vote!” Ji Daoxin said icily.

At this, many elders’ expressions shifted. The direct lineage held the majority among the elders. If the council convened and Ji Yunge’s faction swayed sentiment through personal appeals, the final decision might result in the boy being accepted as a direct descendant outright!

Their current arguments were intended to bypass the council entirely. After all, convening the Elder Council was no trivial matter. It disrupted the family’s operations, as many elders were either in seclusion or stationed elsewhere, making attendance difficult. However, once a council meeting was called, attendance became mandatory.

Ji Qingyuan narrowed his eyes slightly, finally breaking his silence. “Everyone, since the family head has already made a decision, I agree with his approach.”

“Our Ji family respects strength above all. Whether he is considered direct lineage or branch will depend on whether he proves himself strong or weak.”

“If he does possess a Sacred Bone and we exile him, wouldn’t that be ridiculous? Such news would make the ancient holy clans laugh until their sides split!”

“Since the War God Yunge holds him in such high regard, the boy must have extraordinary qualities. Why not let Qingshuang test him?”

The hall grew silent at Ji Qingyuan’s words.

Ji Daoxin’s eyes narrowed slightly. The phrase “respect strength above all” carried a deeper implication. Ji Qingyuan, despite being a War God, still bore the mark of his branch lineage. His words were a pointed reminder that even a branch member could rival or surpass direct descendants. His true goal was to advocate for equal treatment of his branch descendants in the future.

Though Ji Qingyuan had earned the title of War God and commanded widespread respect, his actions now were aimed at securing fairness for the many branch members who had supported his rise.

Ji Daoxin sighed inwardly, recognizing that the same tensions which had led to a civil war between the direct and branch lines thousands of years ago were now resurfacing.

“War God Qingyuan’s words are reasonable. The Great Wilderness reveres strength, and the strong have always ruled over the weak,” echoed several branch family leaders, repeating Ji Qingyuan’s sentiment with enthusiasm.

Direct descendants had their share of mediocrity, and branch members had their share of excellence. Yet even the strongest among the branch members often felt diminished in the presence of the direct lineage. This long-standing resentment now found an outlet.

Those in the Ji family leadership who were unaffiliated with Ji Yunge or Ji Qingyuan initially wanted to speak, hoping to approach the matter neutrally. However, seeing that Ji Qingyuan and the family head had reached a consensus, they deemed further discussion unnecessary.

“Since that is the case...” Ji Daoxin began to speak but was interrupted by a hurried figure entering from outside the hall.

“Reporting to the family head, there’s been an incident at the mountain’s base.”

“Oh?” Ji Daoxin’s brows furrowed, and his divine sense swept outward instantly to investigate. He didn’t waste time asking questions, choosing instead to perceive the situation directly.

“What’s happening?” one elder inquired, not daring to release their own divine sense so freely within the Sacred Mountain.

“Ji Yufen, the family’s prodigy, has clashed with the outsider!” the messenger reported quickly.

At these words, the gathered elders exchanged startled glances.

“The outsider who escorted the War God Yunge back?” asked one of the branch elders.

“Yes, him,” confirmed the messenger.

“This is preposterous!”

“Daring to fight our Ji family’s prodigy the moment he arrives—such arrogance!”

“Good! Let Ji Yufen teach him a lesson. Let him know the Ji family isn’t a place where he can act out!”

Anger flared among many present.

Ji Qingyuan stood, noting that Ji Daoxin was still using his divine sense to observe the situation. As someone from the branch lineage, even as a War God, Ji Qingyuan couldn’t casually extend his divine sense across the Sacred Mountain. Bowing slightly, he said, “I had intended to let Qingshuang test him, but it seems unnecessary now. I shall see for myself how this so-called prodigy fares. A half-blood from the direct lineage should be quite formidable, no?”

With a faint smile, he bid farewell to the family head and strode toward the exit.

Others followed suit, excusing themselves from Ji Daoxin before departing to witness the unfolding events.

“That child...” Some from Ji Yunge’s branch turned pale, alarmed by the boy’s impulsiveness. They hastily took their leave, hurrying to prevent him from suffering too greatly.

The remaining elders glanced at Ji Daoxin, only to find him wearing an expression of mild surprise. He made no move to stop Ji Qingyuan and the others from leaving.

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