Jiang Yuechu fell silent for a moment.
Then she strode up to the Green Jade Stone Wall.
After all that had been said,
making a fuss now would seem ungrateful.
"How do I do it?"
The emperor pointed to a shallow recess in the center of the wall.
"Place a drop of blood in there. If your bloodline matches, the Spirit Jade will respond."
"Once it confirms you carry Li Clan blood, the Great Tang Dragon Qi accumulated inside it over centuries will pour out, cleansing your marrow and pouring into your body."
"An ordinary martial artist might train bitterly for decades and still fail to draw even a trace of Dragon Qi into their body. Its benefits for strengthening your foundations and widening your Qi Sea are beyond imagining."
Jiang Yuechu's eyelid twitched.
She had thought this was merely a formality, like a blood test to prove kinship.
She had not expected such a tangible benefit.
No wonder.
She glanced instinctively at the gray-robed elder standing nearby, his eyes closed as he regulated his breathing.
No wonder activating this thing once cost the Imperial High Ancestor some of his lifespan.
"What if it shows I'm not?"
Jiang Yuechu asked one more question, wary of any lasting consequences.
The emperor's expression stiffened.
"If you aren't..."
"Then nothing happens."
"You need only step away. Not one word of what I promised you will change. Consider it a chance for me to broaden your horizons."
Jiang Yuechu nodded.
There were benefits to be had and no risk.
She hesitated no longer.
She raised her right hand to her lips.
Her teeth bit down lightly.
A sharp sting ran through her fingertip, and a crimson bead of blood welled up.
Jiang Yuechu stepped forward.
She gently pressed the drop of blood into the