Ji Longbai paused briefly, a flicker of apprehension flashing across his face before he slowly stood up. He walked to the center of the hall, bowed respectfully to the two figures seated at the head, and stood still.
Whispers rippled through the gathering. Do not be fooled by the family head’s warm and amicable demeanor today; that was only because Madam was present. In his daily life, he was exceedingly strict and frequently reprimanded the eldest young master. Could it be that the eldest young master had somehow broken decorum earlier and was about to face punishment from the head of the house?
Ji Longbai clearly tried his utmost to maintain his composure, though his hands, half hidden in his sleeves, trembled slightly.
“I announce that, effective immediately, the eldest son of the Ji family, Ji Longbai, is the young family head of the Nanyan Ji clan,” Ji Huaishan announced in a booming voice. “Starting tomorrow, he shall assist in handling clan affairs. Following the Immortal Alliance Grand Ceremony, he will officially assume the position of family head.”
With that, he extended his palm, upon which rested a black crystal token. “To see this token is to see the family head,” he declared loudly, gesturing for Ji Longbai to step forward and receive it. “Longbai, the position of young family head has also been approved by your mother.”
Ji Longbai clearly had not yet recovered from the shock. Although he was the eldest son, he knew he could not compare to his two younger brothers and had never imagined that such a wonderful fortune would fall upon him. While his third brother lacked cultivation and had a carefree, untamed spirit, his second brother was blessed with extraordinary talent and exceptional ability. Having now returned after a long absence and welcomed like the moon surrounded by stars, why would his father choose him?
Following his father’s words, he turned toward the mistress of the house. Seeing the beautiful matriarch nod gently and warmly at him, he finally snapped out of his trance. A surge of excitement and overwhelming joy washed over him as he hurried forward, bowed, and with trembling hands, received the token.
Only then did the people in the hall snap out of their daze, finally believing that what they were seeing was real.
The opportunists among the guests and relatives immediately stood up and offered loud congratulations. This instantly energized the entire hall, and everyone began congratulating Ji Longbai in unison: “Congratulations to the young family head!” Some flatterers even loudly praised the family head for his far-sighted vision and hailed the double blessings upon the Ji family.
Wutong was standing beside his mother. The moment Ji Longbai received the token, he chimed in happily, “Congratulations, Big Brother!” Ji Longbai nodded with a hint of awkwardness, then raised the token high, turned to face the crowd, and beamed with genuine joy, for the first time radiating a youthful, ambitious vigor as he accepted everyone’s congratulations.
“Big Brother, congratulations!” Ji Yinsang also stood up from his seat. He was the tallest of the three brothers, handsome and heroic, virtually a younger replica of the family head. Years of cultivation on the immortal mountains had endowed him with a refined, otherworldly elegance. He picked up an octagonal silver box from his seat, walked over to Ji Longbai, and said, “This is the Yuling Palace’s Jade-Clear Pill, which can aid in spiritual growth. Seeing Big Brother ascend to the position of young family head, Yinsang is truly happy for you.”
Completely immersed in joy at this point, Ji Longbai suddenly felt a surge of confidence upon seeing his ethereal younger brother. He reached out, patted Ji Yinsang on the shoulder, and gladly accepted the congratulatory gift.
As the wave of excitement subsided, Wutong leaped forward and stood once more before his parents. “Father, today is truly filled with one good thing after another, but you haven’t mentioned my reward yet.”
“Haha, you mischievous child, always stirring up trouble. Tell me, what reward do you want?” Ji Huaishan asked pleasantly.
“I want to go watch the Immortal Alliance Grand Ceremony!”
“Absolutely not!” Zhao Xuerong opposed the request almost instantly upon hearing it.
Wutong immediately looked aggrieved, turning to his mother with a pitiful expression, half petulant and half coaxing: “Mother, I am almost eighteen and have barely left Nanyan City. Please let me go!”
Zhao Xuerong softened her tone and gently persuaded him, “Tong’er, you have no cultivation; going out there will be dangerous.”
“Father will be there, won’t he? Besides, the Ji family guards will definitely follow us. What danger could there possibly be?” Wutong pouted. “I just want to see it! With such a grand event, both Big and Second Brothers are definitely going, and I want to experience the world, too.”
“This…” Zhao Xuerong looked troubled and turned her gaze toward the family head.
“Father…” Wutong turned to Ji Huaishan, his eyes filled with entreaty.
Ji Huaishan stroked his beard in hesitation. To be fair, among the three Ji brothers, leaving aside the third, the eldest had spent a few years at the Tianchen Sect, but his progress had stagnated after reaching Foundation Establishment. Only the second son, Ji Yinsang, possessed peerless talent, entering Yuling Palace at age twelve to become the Grand Master’s closing disciple. After eight years of diligent cultivation, he had already reached peak Golden Core, a level matched by very few among the younger generation of various immortal sects and families. With the second son personally keeping watch, alongside Yuling Palace’s multitude of experts, there was naturally no need to worry about Wutong following him.
Furthermore, the Ji family and Yuling Palace had been on friendly terms for generations. The old palace master would surely grant Ji Huaishan this bit of respect.
With that thought, he gave his wife a slight nod and readily agreed: “Granted!”
Eight months later.
In the golden season of autumn, the moment one entered Qinglv City, the rolling expanse of deep brown scenery was replaced by an all-encompassing sea of turquoise and emerald, making it feel as though spring had suddenly returned.
Wutong sat dangling his legs over the second-floor railing of Yixing Tower, facing Boyue Lake. The August autumn breeze brushed against the two wisps of hair at his temples, lending a warmth reminiscent of a gentle spring breeze.
Qinglv City truly lived up to its legend of perennial spring, with its verdant mountains and clear blue lakes. Boyue Lake was surrounded by mountains on three sides. Looking out from the railing through the light morning mist, wave-like mountain ridges rolled into the distance, and amidst the lush green peaks, red walls, golden tiles, and flying eaves could be faintly discerned. That was where the Tianchen Sect, the number one sect in the world, was located.
It was said that precisely because of this unique and abundant spiritual energy, Qinglv City maintained its uniquely temperate climate, allowing the Tianchen Sect to endure through centuries without declining.
Wutong had arrived two days ago. Dozens of days earlier, when his second brother had been delayed by affairs and sent word that he would pick Wutong up a few days later, Wutong had already made up his mind to slip away on his own. In truth, he had never intended to travel with the group of otherworldly cultivators from Yuling Palace anyway.
Leaving behind a letter stating that he had gone to find his second brother, he had slipped out of Nanyan City without looking back. Even if the family sent people to search for him, they would eventually track him all the way to the Tianchen Sect anyway, so he was not worried at all. Growing up, wherever he went, people followed him around, cramping his style; now, he thoroughly relished the freedom of being on his own.
From Nanyan City to Qinglv City, his journey had been completely carefree, sightseeing as he pleased. If he liked a place, he would stay a few extra days, and whenever he caught wind of family search parties, he would bolt immediately.
Originally, he had thought his face recognition alone was enough to get him through Nanyan City unimpeded, but to his amazement, that trick worked outside as well! Failing that, merely pulling out the Nanyan Ji family’s sect jade token could solve most problems.
Thus, the dangers his mother warned of were thoroughly exaggerated and completely unfounded.
At this moment, clutching a bottle of Green Bamboo Brew with a small dish of orchid beans placed by his knees, Wutong was leisurely enjoying the scenery while sipping his wine.
Freedom was simply wonderful! At home, they always treated him like a child, forbidding him from drinking or staying up late, unaware that he had been sneaking wine from the Ji family kitchen since childhood and had long since built up an iron constitution.
Thinking about it, the various sects and factions attending the Immortal Alliance Grand Ceremony should be arriving in the city around now, as could be seen from the rapidly growing number of patrons at Yixing Tower. Wutong patted his knees; after finishing this meal, he planned to head into the mountains. He would not show up in front of his family or the Yuling Palace cultivators until the very last moment to avoid being looked after and losing his freedom.
“Young Master Ji, your dishes are all served. Please enjoy!” The waiter’s voice pulled Wutong’s gaze back toward the large square table beside him. Four or five exquisite dishes along with a few small cold plates had already been laid out: braised pork meatballs, crispy duck, steamed glutinous rice with shark fin. In short, a lavish spread.
Wutong smiled and casually tossed something forward. The waiter’s hands were quick; he reached out and caught it instantly. It was a piece of high-grade spirit stone. Beaming from ear to ear, the waiter bowed repeatedly and said, “You are most generous, Young Master. Please enjoy your meal.” Wutong nodded, and the waiter, tossing his towel over his shoulder, backed toward the stairs before turning around to head downstairs, thoroughly satisfied.
The arrival of the young master of the Ji family on his very first day at the restaurant had completely dazzled the proprietor and all the staff. As the largest restaurant in Qinglv City, located right within the sphere of influence of the Tianchen Sect, the patrons who frequented it on ordinary days were naturally exceptional, high-ranking cultivators. Yet, experienced and worldly as the proprietor was, he had still been blinded by the sheer radiance of Wutong as he walked in.
Could there truly be someone in this world who looked so breathtakingly gorgeous?
When Wutong revealed his identity, everything made sense to them. No wonder the young master of the Ji family could become famous throughout the world without ever stepping outside; the legends were truly real, after all!
That was not all. The young master was also extraordinarily generous with his wealth, cementing the rumor that the Nanyan Ji family’s fortune rivaled nations. Because of this, his peculiar habit of eating lavish, heavy dishes early every morning had to be accommodated, even if it meant waking the restaurant’s best chefs in the middle of the night!
Moreover, in the two days since Wutong arrived, the number of patrons coming in solely on name and reputation to catch a glimpse of his true appearance had skyrocketed. Since they came, they could not just stand around empty-handed; they had to order a few dishes and cups of wine, causing the restaurant’s revenue to soar. The proprietor was practically beaming from ear to ear. To avoid disturbing Wutong, he had specially reserved the best table on the second floor just for him, his permanent seat!
Furthermore, they politely moved the surrounding tables further away so as not to disturb this gorgeous little god of wealth. Fortunately, Wutong’s status as a member of the Ji family carried enough weight that ordinary people only dared to steal distant glances and admire him from afar, not daring to step forward and disturb him.
As the light morning mist dispersed, Wutong finished admiring the scenery and prepared to eat. Sweeping his gaze across the room, he saw that almost all the tables on the second floor were occupied. He could feel furtive glances being cast from all directions, but having journeyed all the way here, he was long used to it. As long as they did not come over to bother him, they could look all they wanted.
Stepping forward, he sat down at the table and felt his mood instantly lift at the sight of the spread. He picked up his chopsticks and prepared to dig in.
A loud clatter of footsteps ascending the stairs made him look up. Four lavishly dressed young people emerged from the stairwell, all dressed in identical attire. They appeared to be cultivators from some sect attending the ceremony. Unfamiliar with them, Wutong merely glanced at them before continuing to eat.
Hearing the footsteps stop right by his table, Wutong looked up helplessly and met the gazes of the newcomers: two men and two women.
Crossing paths with Wutong instantly stunned them. The two women, in particular, parted their lips slightly and froze in place, as if struck by an immobilization spell.
Wutong frowned. Just as he was about to ask what they wanted, the waiter who had served his food earlier materialized beside the four of them and spoke up first: “I have already informed you that the second floor is full. Will the four honored guests please wait downstairs? We will arrange a table as soon as one opens up.”
“Yet this young master is taking up an entire table all by himself,” one of the women finally recovered her wits and remembered why their group had come over.
“With a table full of dishes like this, could this young master be waiting for someone?” Another woman spoke in a much milder tone, turning to the tall man leading them: “Senior Brother, why don’t we go downstairs and wait?”
The tall man wore an arrogant expression that instantly detracted from his otherwise decent looks. Unceremoniously, he said, “Disciples of the Guanyang Sect have always kept others waiting; we have never had to wait for anyone.” He then turned to the waiter and snapped, “With the Immortal Alliance Grand Ceremony bringing so many guests, seating is already tight. Naturally, larger groups should be accommodated first. Tell this young master to clear a spot!”
The waiter tried to persuade him otherwise, but Wutong suddenly smiled, reached into his collar, and produced a piece of jade token, placing it lightly on the table.
“Fire-lipid Jade!” another man blurted out, and all four looked startled. Following closely, the woman who had spoken first gasped, “This emblem pattern, it is… the Nanyan Ji family!”
The waiter curled his lip, seemingly quite accustomed to this scene. Fire-lipid jade was one of the four great spiritual jades of the cultivation world, extremely rare. Those who used it to make family crest tokens were indeed limited to the top-tier sects and aristocratic families.
The tall man’s arrogant aura instantly deflated quite a bit as he stammered, “You are…”
“This gentleman is the young master of the Nanyan Ji family!” the waiter immediately seized the narrative, his superior posture making it seem as though he belonged to the Ji household himself.
“May I ask which young master of the Ji family?” the mild-tempered woman pressed on.
Wutong did not answer. He simply retrieved the jade casually, looked at the four of them, and said leisurely, “Are you all planning to share this meal with me? That is fine, too. My second brother, Ji Yinsang, is extremely hospitable; I am sure he will be happy to toast you all in a moment.”
Ji Yinsang?
The four of them were deeply shocked. At the Immortal Alliance Rising Star Tournament a year ago, the standout figure who had burst onto the scene and taken first place was none other than Ji Yinsang, the second young master of the Nanyan Ji family, who also hailed from Yuling Palace!
To have reached peak Golden Core at just over twenty years old, his talent was astonishing, and his magical power left people speechless. Setting aside the fact that his master, Palace Master Qianxuan of Yuling Palace, was one of the few Divine Transformation grandmasters alive today, just pulling out any random disciple from Yuling Palace could obliterate an entire slew of sects.
Although the Guanyang Sect was considered respectable within the Immortal Alliance, compared to first-tier giants like the Tianchen Sect, Yuling Palace, and the Ji family, they were barely worthy of carrying shoes.
Since the person before them addressed Ji Yinsang as his second brother, he must be the young master of the Ji family. Although extraordinarily beautiful and seemingly lacking in spiritual power as rumor had suggested, who would dare to easily offend him, even if he were all alone and without an ounce of cultivation?
A wave of red and white flushed across the tall man’s face, leaving him momentarily speechless. Another man quickly cupped his fists and said, “Senior Sister, Brother… We will not disturb Young Master Yinsang.” With that, he tugged on his senior brother’s sleeve, signaling a retreat, while the two women offered hasty bows, and the four of them hurriedly turned to leave.
Just then, a soft chuckle drifted from a corner across the room.
The tall man stopped dead in his tracks, swept his gaze across the room, suddenly changed direction, and strode toward a table in the corner.
The other three looked slightly surprised and followed after him.