Cultivation Begins from Infancy - Chapter 289

Volume 3 - Chapter 36: Innate Sacred Bone - Part 2

For example, Ninth Brother, Ji Tianchao, had received exceptional favor from their father, who broke tradition to grant him the name of an honored ancestor, signifying high expectations.

Ninth Brother did not disappoint their father.

“It’s not from our direct line—it’s from the branch line.”

Ji Yunqing immediately explained, “His great-grandfather was once from the main family but had average aptitude. After marrying a concubine-born woman from the collateral line, their descendants gradually became part of the branch family. But in his generation, for some reason, he suddenly gained immense fortune and was born with a Sacred Bone!”

“Shortly after Third Brother left, he displayed astonishing talent, rapidly breaking through in the Fourth Pillar Realm, eventually stepping into the Dao Seeker Realm. Now, alongside Tianchao, he is one of the Ji family’s three War Gods.”

Ji Yunge was slightly stunned. He had thought that after his death, the Ji family would lay low for a while. To his surprise, they had gained another War God.

Surpassing the Supreme Dao Realm, a Dao Seeker!

“This person is of the same age as us, but because of his collateral background, his seniority is slightly lower. He’s part of Qingqing’s generation, so when he sees us, he addresses us as uncles,” added the Fourth Brother.

Ji Yunge immediately understood.

A collateral member born with a Sacred Bone—what incredible luck.

Their progenitor had reached the Saint Realm. Saints could pass down Sacred Bones, just as those in the Three Immortals Realm could pass down Divine Blood.

However, unlike the Saint Realm, Divine Blood had a high inheritance probability, barring cases of promiscuity, excessive descendants, or overindulgence, which could lower the chances.

Sacred Bones, on the other hand, were different. Even the direct descendants with the purest bloodline might not inherit them.

It was entirely up to fate.

A purer bloodline could only slightly increase the odds of this rare inheritance.

Once a Sacred Bone awakened, it granted the potential to pursue the Saint Path!

This was why the Ji family strictly forbade intermarriage with outsiders to preserve the purity of the main bloodline.

“This individual kept a low profile. No one knew he possessed a Sacred Bone until he reached the Fourth Pillar Realm. Only then did he experience a series of breakthroughs, likely because he had accumulated a profound foundation, allowing him to cross realms with ease and step into the Dao Seeker Realm!”

Ji Yunqing explained.

Ji Yunge nodded slightly. Among their sixteen brothers, only a portion maintained deep brotherly bonds.

After all, the Ji family, a desolate ancient aristocratic clan with a legacy spanning ten thousand years, had a complex network of branches. Internal conflicts were inevitable.

Given his collateral background and cautious temperament, his low-key demeanor was understandable.

“What did the patriarch say?”

Ji Yunge inquired.

Ji Daoxin had promised him something, and Ji Yunge believed the patriarch would not go back on his word.

“The patriarch said he was willing to give that child a chance. Now, Ji Qingyuan is leading others in a debate over the matter, insisting that the rules must not be broken. They argue that sparing the child’s life is already leniency and suggest providing other forms of compensation...”

As Ji Qingmeng spoke, she seemed to realize she was delving too deeply into the details. Knowing this uncle lacked the time for such minutiae, she quickly added:

“But since the patriarch’s decision has been made, it will not change. Uncle, you can rest assured.”

Ji Yunqing sneered, “Ji Qingyuan knows this too. He’s merely using this opportunity to stir trouble and seek benefits.”

Ji Yunge nodded slightly, then chuckled.

“These are trivial matters. If that child displays exceptional talent, I believe the patriarch will understand that bringing him into the Ji family isn’t about leveraging my past achievements for face. It’s because, before my death, I secured a great contribution for the Ji family!”

The group was momentarily stunned. They hadn’t expected this Third Brother to be so confident. Just how outstanding was this child to inspire such faith in him?

Ji Qingmeng also froze. Seeing her uncle’s radiant eyes, she hesitated for a moment before speaking softly:

“Uncle, I’m not sure if this is appropriate to say...”

“Qingmeng, if you have something to say, just say it. Don’t waste your uncle’s time,” Ji Yunqing chided immediately.

Ji Yunge laughed. “Why the hesitation? Is it something troublesome?”

“That child...”

Ji Qingmeng hesitated, recalling the reports she had received. She glanced cautiously at her uncle. “He said his name is Ji Leping, but he has taken his mother’s surname...”

The group was momentarily stunned. Ji Leping?

“This child...”

Ji Yunqing frowned slightly. “Could his father be some insignificant figure, to the point that his marriage to Qingqing was a case of marrying into her family?”

“We looked into it earlier. His father is a Divine General of the Great Yu Divine Dynasty, reportedly a marshal. While he is not as significant as us, he is highly respected within the Great Yu Divine Dynasty,” the Fourth Brother added, his eyes flickering as if unsure whether to continue.

“Did he take his mother’s surname because of Third Brother’s suggestion?”

Ji Yunqing asked.

Ji Yunge shook his head slightly.

“This child...”

The group exchanged glances, each frowning in thought.

Noticing their expressions, Ji Yunge immediately understood their thoughts and shook his head. “Don’t misunderstand. With this child’s talent, even without the Ji family, he is destined to be a phoenix among men. In the Great Wilderness Heaven, he will stand no less than the other prodigies!”

“Hm?”

The group looked at him, perplexed as to why their Third Brother held such a high opinion of this child. Was it simply because the child had brought him back?

“That child took his mother’s surname, I suspect, simply because he had a close relationship with her. Or perhaps, it is a way to honor her memory.”

Ji Yunge said calmly.

“Not because he wanted to join our Ji family?”

Ji Qingmeng couldn’t help asking, feeling as though her uncle was somewhat enchanted by the boy.

“Qingmeng, how can you speak like that!” Ji Yunqing scolded.

While they might have entertained similar thoughts, it felt inappropriate to question Third Brother’s judgment, especially given his state.

Their priority was to let Ji Yunge leave the world without regrets.

Ji Yunge chuckled. Seeing the others remain silent, he understood their thoughts too well. He explained, “You’re overthinking it. That child has a free-spirited nature and little attachment to family. Be it the Ji family or any other, it’s all the same to him. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to cross my River of Death and bring me back.”

“What do you mean by that?”

The group looked puzzled, realizing they hadn’t yet inquired about the specifics of the River of Death.

Ji Yunge immediately recounted the details of how the boy had crossed the River of Death.

Hearing his explanation, the group fell silent, stunned. Only now did they understand.

“If that’s the case, it seems we’ve truly misunderstood the child,” Ji Yunqing admitted.

“Then why did he change his surname? That must have caused his father great sorrow,” the Fourth Brother asked, perplexed.

The group looked to Ji Yunge, who also shook his head slightly. “That, I do not know. Perhaps he doesn’t have a deep bond with his father. Otherwise, how could he remain so detached from family?”

The others nodded upon hearing this, thinking it plausible.

“If that’s the case, we should treat him well.”

“Indeed. Since he has taken our Ji family name, he is one of us.”

The group spoke in agreement.

Ji Yunge smiled. “Leave that child in your care, and I can rest assured. He is a person of loyalty and unparalleled intellect. Treat him with sincerity, and the future will bring its rewards.”

Understanding his intent, the group realized that no tricks or schemes would work on the boy. Only genuine treatment would yield results.

“Third Brother, let’s not dwell on this. Your health is growing weaker...”

Ji Tianchao, who had remained silent, finally spoke with a heavy heart.

He cared little about the boy or prodigies. His only concern was his Third Brother, who had fought beside him countless times, slaying demons and enemies together.

“Tianchao, from now on, let that child take my place to keep you company. The Dao Seeker Realm... give him ten years, and it should suffice.”

Ji Yunge’s voice was soft, his body so frail it seemed a gust of wind could scatter him.

Table of Content - Next Chapter >>>