Innate Sacred Bone

"Ji Le Ping?"

Upon hearing Li Hao's words, Ji Boduan was slightly taken aback. "Take his mother's surname?"

Historically, people have always taken their father's surname, and it is rare for them to take their mother's surname. He also knew that Li Hao's mother, Ji Qingqing, had married a foreign tribe from Outer Great Wasteland Heaven, so it was impossible for the foreign tribe to also have the surname Ji.

He glanced at Li Hao, the gentleness in his eyes slightly diminishing.

But remembering the rumors above, that the War God of the Ji Family had praised this young man highly, and that he himself couldn't see through Li Hao's Aura, he immediately maintained a polite attitude:

Please come with me.

Li Hao nodded and followed the other person.

The two quickly went up the mountain.

The many younger members of the Ji Family who had come to see what was going on frowned upon hearing Li Hao's words; some sneered, while others gave a cold laugh.

"Ji Le Ping? What a big face!"

"They're clearly barbarians from another tribe, yet they've changed their surname to try and curry favor with my Ji Family!"

"He doesn't even want his own father's surname. What a snob! Does he really think he can squeeze into our Ji Family?"

"I thought he was truly a peerless Heavenly Prodigy, just as the War God had said, but I never expected him to be such a ruthless and unscrupulous person. What a disappointment."

"Perhaps he deceived the War God with sweet words. I don't know what stroke of luck he had to be able to pass the Mo River. It's truly amazing."

Various unpleasant comments arose.

These younger people didn't hold back much when facing Li Hao. They were all the same age, and their Bloodline made them look down on this Half-Blood person who had married into another race.

Hearing the War God's high praise only fueled their resentment, as if someone from a small, rural place dared to claim superiority over them—it was rather embarrassing.

Among the crowd were some descendants of Ji Yun'ge and his brothers, who had come out of curiosity. However, upon hearing Li Hao's words and hearing the surrounding discussions, they couldn't help but frown secretly, feeling greatly disappointed with the Heavenly Prodigy that Yun Ge had spoken of.

Having a humble background is a minor matter, but if you look down on your own origins, you're bound to be looked down upon by others!

Seeing the boy speeding up the mountain, many people quickly followed, their eyes filled with disgust, as if the Sacred Land of the Ji Family had been defiled.

If Li Hao hadn't sent Ji Yun'ge back, they would have already killed such a despicable person.

Before long, Li Hao followed Ji Boduan to the heart of the Saint Mountain.

This is also where the vast majority of the Ji Family's elite direct descendants live.

Clusters of buildings spread out like bamboo shoots after a spring rain, their architecture magnificent.

This Saint Mountain is extremely large, comparable to several cities, and can accommodate tens of millions of people.

The vast majority of the Ji Family members with mediocre talents lived in the city at the foot of the Saint Mountain, honing their skills in other arts, such as weapon crafting, medicine making, and talisman making.

Others engage in farming, taming Demon, and so on, each fulfilling their own duties.

At this moment, in the heart of the Saint Mountain to the south, many Ji Family, having heard the news, rushed here to curiously observe Li Hao.

The Saint Mountain is not to be ascended by ordinary Ji Family unless summoned.

But Ji Yun'ge's words spread throughout the Saint Mountain, and much news had already reached the mountainside. They all knew that it was a young man with the Ji Family Bloodline who had sent the War God back.

"Is this the man's son?"

"I can't see through his cultivation level, but he seems really powerful."

"What's the use of being impressive? I just heard he changed his surname to Ji, and now he's come all this way. Isn't his intention obvious enough?"

"Could it be that his Lineage joined forces to help him clear the Mo River? It's a pity we didn't find the Mo River where the Yun Ge War God was imprisoned, otherwise we would have cleared it long ago!"

A crowd gathered, and various discussions arose.

Hearing these noisy discussions, Li Hao frowned. He wouldn't bother with ordinary juniors.

But at this moment, many of these people were middle-aged, and they were also making sarcastic remarks. His eyes turned cold.

"Is this how the Ji Family treats its guests?"

Ji Boduan had just stopped when he heard this and gave a bitter laugh. He could understand the people who were talking about it, after all, Li Hao changing his surname to his mother's was truly shameful.

Although he was one of the elder's subordinates and stood on Li Hao's side, he found it difficult to be biased in his heart.

However, although he understood the thoughts of those who were discussing this, he was, after all, ordered to pick up the young man, and immediately shouted:

"Everyone, move aside! What's there to discuss? Get out of the way!"

After reprimanding him, he turned to Li Hao and said, "Please come with me."

As he spoke, he waved to disperse the crowd that had gathered, led Li Hao to a magnificent hall, and said to Li Hao:

"Rest here for a while. Yun Ge War God is explaining your situation to the Family Head. He'll let me know when you'll be allowed to join the Ji Family."

With that, he turned and left, closing the Palace Hall behind him.

Li Hao frowned but remained silent.

He heard all the discussions along the way and knew that he couldn't explain it, so there was no need to explain.

He will leave once he sees the mother and can help her escape her predicament.

After all, the Great Yu Dynasty was always at risk of being invaded by Demon. Although he was not Li Family, as he said, he was human, and therefore he was willing to contribute his strength to the Great Yu Dynasty.

Moreover, he has not yet repaid the favor bestowed upon him by His Majesty.

On the summit of Saint Mountain.

Ji Yun'ge had already come out of the Ancestral Shrine to offer incense to the ancestors and also saw the heroic Heroic Soul of the fallen brothers.

Those Heroic Soul who learned that he could not return to the Ancestral Shrine and was about to disappear were also filled with sorrow and grief.

Ji Yun'ge had told that the Thirteenth Child that he had a grandson who was very promising and would become the Ji Family Prodigy in the future.

When he recounted Li Hao's performance in the Mo River to the Thirteenth Child in detail, the prince was speechless with astonishment. His expression then became complex, a mixture of sadness for Ji Yun'ge and curiosity about whether his grandson was truly as outstanding as he had imagined.

"At fifteen years old, she can fight against the Unique Skill Realm! Qingqing has actually developed such a powerful Bloodline!"

"Alas, Qingqing was foolish back then. Fortunately, the Tianchao and all my Older Brother intervened and pleaded for her, sparing her from life imprisonment. But a thousand years... that's still hard to endure!"

The Thirteenth Child had mixed feelings.

When he learned that his daughter had secretly married someone from another ethnic group, he was so angry that he almost lost his Heroic Soul.

But after all, she was his own daughter, and he could do nothing but feel helpless and Anger, since the deed was already done.

Even if his children make a grave mistake, a father will risk his life to protect them, blaming himself for failing to raise his daughter properly and taking full responsibility.

Now, his daughter has given birth to Heavenly Prodigy grandson, which has brought some comfort to his melancholy heart.

Ji Yun'ge walked out of the Ancestral Shrine, bid farewell to the Family Head, and then followed her brothers, wife, and children back to their residence.

Looking at the scenery of yesteryear, Ji Yun'ge felt a pang of nostalgia.

The others also suppressed their grief, intending to smile and accompany Ji Yun'ge on his final journey.

During her travels, Ji Yun'ge thought of Li Hao and asked him:

"Has the child been properly settled?"

"Third Brother, you're in this state, how can you still be thinking about that child? You're already..."

Ji Tianchao was filled with grief, but he had been smiling the whole way, though he couldn't quite keep it up at this moment.

Beside him, the Sixth Brother Ji Yunqing, tugged at him, then said to Ji Yun'ge, "We've already sent people to settle things. I'll ask Qingmeng."

They immediately called someone over.

Before long, a woman rushed over, quickly bowed, and bid farewell to each of the elders.

"How is the child being settled? Have you seen him?" Ji Yunqing asked.

The one who came was her daughter, Ji Qingmeng, who was also Ji Qingqing's cousin. She looked elegant and dignified, with willow-leaf eyebrows and almond-shaped eyes, and had a graceful demeanor. She responded:

"My daughter sent someone to meet us and bring us to the Guest Welcoming Hall. The Family Head is discussing the matter, but I heard that Senior Qing Yuan is unwilling to agree..."

"Qing Yuan?"

Ji Yun'ge in surprise, "Whose child is this?"

The Qing generation should be the children of their brothers and sisters, except for a few special circumstances.

For example, the Ninth Brother, Ji Tianchao, was greatly favored by his father, who exceptionally bestowed upon him the generational name of a deceased ancestor, indicating high expectations were placed upon him.

And the Ninth Brother did not disappoint his father's expectations.

"Not from our lineage, but from the branch of the family that was born out of wedlock."

Ji Yunqing immediately explained, "His great-grandfather was also born into the direct line, but his talent was ordinary. He married a concubine's daughter from a collateral branch, and thus, the family gradually became a collateral branch. But in his generation, for some reason, he suddenly received great fortune and Innate Sacred Bone!"

"Not long after you left, Third Brother, he displayed astonishing Heavenly Talent, breaking through the Four Establishments Realm one after another and stepping into the Dao Inquiry Realm. Now, together with the Tianchao Dynasty, he has become one of the three War God of our Ji Family."

Ji Yun'ge was slightly taken aback. She had thought that with her death, the Ji Family would have to keep a low profile for the time being, but she never expected that a new War God would emerge.

Beyond the Great Peace Dao Realm, those Dao Comprehender!

"This person is our age, but because he was born out of wedlock, his generation is a bit lower. He belongs to Qingqing's generation, and he used to call us 'uncle' when he saw us," said the Fourth Brother beside him.

Ji Yun'ge immediately understood.

Born out of wedlock, yet possessing Innate Sacred Bone —it's truly like winning the lottery.

Their Progenitor was Saint Realm, and Sage can inherit Sacred Bone, just like the Three Immortalities Realm can inherit Divine Blood.

However, unlike the Saint Realm, the probability of inheriting Divine Blood is extremely high. Unless the parents are promiscuous, have many offspring, and indulge in excessive sexual activity, the probability of inheriting Divine Blood will decrease.

Even a direct descendant with extremely pure Bloodline might not be able to inherit the Sacred Bone.

It all depends on fortuitous opportunity.

All I can say is that a pure Bloodline can slightly increase the odds of winning the lottery.

Once the Sacred Bone is awakened, one will possess the potential to Sainthood-Seeking!

This is also why the Ji Family forbids intermarriage with outsiders and tries to maintain the purity of the direct line's Bloodline.

"This person was low-key and patient. Before reaching the Four Establishments Realm of Establishment, no one knew that he possessed Sacred Bone. Only after that did he break through one after another, which means he must have accumulated extremely deep foundations long ago, allowing him to easily break through realms and step into the Dao Hearing!"

Ji Yunqing said.

Ji Yun'ge slightly. Of the sixteen brothers, only a portion of them shared a deep brotherly bond and got along harmoniously.

However, the Ji Family is Ancient Aristocratic Family with a history of ten thousand years, and its branches are intricate and complex, inevitably leading to many internal conflicts.

Given that this person was born out of wedlock, it's understandable that he's so cautious.

"What did the Family Head say?"

Ji Yun'ge inquired.

Ji Daoxin had promised him, and he believed the Family Head would not go back on his word.

"The Family Head said he was willing to give the child a chance. Now, Ji Qingyuan is leading others in arguing about this, saying that the rules absolutely cannot be broken, and at most, there will be additional compensation. Not executing the child would be considered a favor..."

As Ji Qingmeng spoke, she seemed to realize she had gone into a bit too much detail, and this uncle didn't have that much time to listen to her explain further, so she immediately said:

"But the Family Head's words have already been spoken, and there's no possibility of changing them, so Uncle can rest assured."

Ji Yunqing, "Ji Qingyuan knows this too, he just wants to use this as an excuse to gain benefits for them."

Ji Yun'ge nodded slightly, then smiled and said:

"These are all minor matters. As long as that child shows Heavenly Talent, I believe the Family Head will know. Taking that child into the Ji Family is not me using my past merits to gain this favor, but rather because I have rendered a great service to the Ji Family before my death!"

The group was slightly taken aback, not expecting their third brother to speak so frankly. Just how outstanding must that child be to earn such confidence from him?

Ji Qingmeng was also taken aback. Looking at the gleam in the old man's eyes, she suddenly felt a pang of pity and whispered:

"Uncle, I have something to say, but I'm not sure if I should."

"Qingmeng, just say what you have to say, don't waste your uncle's time," Ji Yunqing snapped.

Ji Yun'ge smiled and said, "What's troubling you so much? Is it something difficult this time?"

"That child..."

Ji Qingmeng the message from below, cautiously glanced at the uncle. "He said his name was Ji Le Ping, and he had changed his surname to his mother's..."

Everyone was taken aback. Ji Le Ping?

"This child..."

Ji Yunqing frowned slightly. "Could his father be some nobody, so that his marriage to Qingqing is an example of him marrying into his family?"

"I inquired beforehand; he's Divine General from the Great Yu Dynasty. I heard he's Marshal, not as powerful as us, but he still has a lot of prestige in the Great Yu Dynasty," the Fourth Brother said, his eyes flickering as he hesitated to speak.

"So, did his third brother decide that he would take his mother's surname?"

Ji Yunqing asked.

Ji Yun'ge slightly.

"This child..."

The group exchanged glances, their brows furrowing.

Seeing their expressions, Ji Yun'ge immediately understood their thoughts and shook her head, saying, "Don't misunderstand. With this child's Heavenly Talent, even without my Ji Family, he would definitely be an outstanding individual, and in this Great Wasteland Heaven, he would certainly not be inferior to other Heavenly Prodigy!"

"Um?"

Everyone looked at him, wondering why this third brother was so fond of the child. Was it just because the other party had sent him back?

"The child took his mother's surname. I guess it's simply because he has a closer relationship with his mother, or perhaps it's a way of remembering her."

Ji Yun'ge said.

"Isn't it because you want to join our Ji Family?"

Ji Qingmeng couldn't help but ask, sensing that this uncle seemed somewhat bewildered by the young man.

"Qingmeng, how can you speak like that!" Ji Yunqing couldn't help but scold.

Although they thought so too, Third Brother was already on his deathbed; should they still question his ability to judge people?

They just wanted Ji Yun'ge to pass away happily.

Ji Yun'ge smiled, seeing that the others remained silent—he knew all too well what his old comrades were thinking—and said:

"You're all overthinking it. That child is carefree and doesn't care much about home, whether it's the Ji Family or any other family. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to cross that Mo River and bring me back."

What do you mean?

The group was puzzled; they had talked a lot about the past, but hadn't asked about the specifics of the Mo River yet.

Ji Yun'ge immediately explained the reasons for passing through the Mo River Pass to the others in detail.

Hearing his explanation, the group was stunned, and then they understood.

"In that case, we really did misunderstand the child."

Ji Yunqing said.

"Then why did he change his surname? How sad must his father be?" the Fourth Brother asked, puzzled.

The group looked at Ji Yun'ge, Ji Yun'ge slightly. "I don't know. Perhaps this child doesn't have a deep relationship with his father, otherwise how could he not feel attached to his home?"

Upon hearing this, everyone thought it was indeed possible.

"If that's the case, then we should treat him well."

"That's right, since they've taken my Ji Family name, then they're members of the Ji Family."

Several people spoke.

Ji Yun'ge smiled and said, "I feel relieved to have this child in your care. This child is a person of deep affection and exceptional intelligence. You can treat him with kindness, and you will be rewarded in the future."

Hearing his advice, the group understood what he meant: don't try to control the child through other means; just treat him with sincerity.

"Third Brother, let's not talk about that anymore, your body is getting weaker..."

Ji Tianchao, who had been silent until now, said with a somber tone.

He didn't care about any young man or any Heavenly Prodigy; he only cared about his third brother, who had fought alongside him against countless enemies and demons in the past.

"Tianchao, from now on, let that child accompany you in my place. The Dao Inquiry Realm... Give that child ten years, that should be about right."

Ji Yun'ge softly, his body swaying as if a gust of wind could blow him away.