Chapter 4: Identifying Talent

At this moment, Grandfather Ji Chang Kong, Ji Yu Sheng, and Aunt Ji Wan Yun also approached. After Ji Yu Sheng arrived, he seemed to feel that it was somewhat inappropriate for everyone to wait here for Ji Chang Kong alone. With a stern expression, he suggested, "Why don't you all go ahead and have your meal? I will stay here to keep an eye on this useless fellow."

The Zhao family over there was staring at the Flame Origin Pearl, their eyes nearly popping out.

After a moment of distraction, Nie Yuanshan finally composed himself and said to Ji Yuxing with indifference: "It is too late; I must hurry back to report to Ruolan. I will not be dining at the Ji family today." Without waiting for Ji Yuxing to persuade him to stay, he walked away with Shao Kang towards the direction of Qingyan City.

After reaching the summit, those from the Ji family, whether excited or disappointed, returned one by one to the foot of the mountain, standing beside the elders of the Ji family, either seeking credit or requesting rewards, cheerfully recounting the thrills of their recent ascent.

... ...

A cluster of fiery clouds stains the sky, and under the afterglow of the sunset, Ji Changkong's figure blends seamlessly with the evening glow at the summit of Qingyan Mountain

It is truly foolish to embarrass the lord of the city; do not expect to establish yourself in Qingyan City any longer! Hmph, he has also brought disgrace to the Ji family!

This Flame Pearl was specially exchanged by my daughter through her aunt from the Lingbao Pavilion in Tianshui City. She said it was to thank you for teaching her embroidery and sewing. Hehe, this girl has been without a mother since she was little, and she has a special bond with you. In the future, I hope you can take care of her more in Qingyan City; she really listens to you. You haven't been here for a few days, and she has been nagging in my ear all day long; I am almost driven to distraction by her. " Nie Yuanshan said with a smile while forcefully shoving the Flame Pearl into Ji Wanyun's hand. You haven't been here for a few days, and she has been nagging in my ear all day long; I am almost driven to distraction by her. " Nie Yuanshan said with a smile while forcefully shoving the Flame Pearl into Ji Wanyun's hand.

As Ji Yusheng, the paternal grandfather of Ji Changkong, is he likely to act recklessly at this critical moment

"It’s nothing; with the lord of the city here, even if Chang Kong falls, there will be no harm done." Ji Wanyun smiled gently, pinching Ji Xiaolian's little face as she spoke with a smile.

Unable to contain the excitement within, Ji Changkong suddenly forgot his own sorrow, grinning widely to reveal his white teeth, radiating a brilliant smile, and vigorously waving towards Nie Yuanshan at the foot of the mountain

At that moment, Nie Yuanshan unexpectedly gave him a thumbs up from a distance

Taking a deep breath, Shao Kang's expression turned solemn as he spoke slowly and deliberately: "However, I must admit that I was probably wrong this time!"

Ji Yuxing remained motionless, and all the members of the Ji family, young and old, could only endure together in that place. The Ji family disciples, who had just expended too much energy during the trial, were now growling with hunger. However, since Ji Yuxing did not speak, they could only endure their hunger, each one cursing Ji Chang Kong in their hearts, coldly watching him progress as slowly as a snail.

The master should have noticed as well. The old butler Shao Kang let out a gentle sigh, calming his mind before he spoke softly: "He cannot leap from one rock to another, as his body is not agile or strong enough. It is impossible for him to grasp and hold onto the rock at the moment of landing. Therefore, he can only seek out the rocks that are right next to him, which he can reach with his hands and feet, in order to move his body."

Upon reaching Nie Yuanshan's side, Ji Yuxing looked at Nie Yuanshan with a strange expression, then glanced at the butler Shao Kang. Ji Yuxing's confusion deepened, as he seemed unable to comprehend why both Nie Yuanshan and Shao Kang were simultaneously gazing at Ji Changkong

Wuwu... it's about to fall down, I really worry for him, hahaha, lacking the capability yet daring to participate in the trial, I really don't understand what this kid is thinking, doesn't he know what it means to lose face

As soon as these words were spoken, Nie Yuanshan no longer looked at Ji Yuxing, nor did he pay any attention to the entire Ji family, young or old. Instead, he continued to gaze intently, alongside Shao Kang, at Ji Changkong, who was struggling to move inch by inch on the mountainside of Qingyan Mountain.

It is too precious; I cannot accept this! Ji Wanyun took a step back, hurriedly avoiding it

So it turns out it was because he was still around. I thought the Ji family had suddenly changed their ways. Ji Chang Kong chuckled self-deprecatingly.

"But... but..." Ji Wanyun repeatedly waved her hand, unsure of what to say.

Cheers echoed one after another from the summit of Qingyan Mountain. During the time that Nie Yuanshan and Shao Kang were speaking, all the members of the Ji family, whether from the collateral or direct line, had already reached the top. Similar to the last assessment, there were no significant changes this year; Ji Changxiao once again claimed the championship, while Ji Changsheng and Ji Changle secured the second and third places respectively

No need, I am not busy today, and I will wait for the picture book until I get up

Climbing up from this angle, the mountain is extremely steep! The scattered protruding rocks vary in distance; some are closely adjacent, while others are separated by half a zhang! I originally thought that someone who cannot move freely in the air would definitely have no chance of reaching the summit of Qingyan Mountain, so I was certain that Ji Changkong, with his frail physique, would soon have to give up midway due to the inability to find supportive rocks.

Nie Yuanshan remained unmoved, and Ji Yuxing also remained unmoved. Ji Yuxing remained unmoved, and apart from Ji Yusheng, the entire Ji family did not dare to move.

... ...

Haha, I knew it, this guy would definitely be at the bottom. Just look at how clumsy he is, it's truly hilarious

Just now, at the summit of Qingyan Mountain, beneath the vast expanse of red clouds, the boy who waved vigorously left an indelible and profound impression on Shao Kang's heart with his momentary display of carefree and unrestrained spirit

Ji Chang Kong was just about to let out a long howl to the sky when he suddenly discovered that the foot of the mountain was surrounded by people. Exhausted to the point of near collapse, Ji Chang Kong's face was filled with astonishment as his clear eyes seriously gazed down at the crowd, where he finally spotted the majestic and towering Lord of Qingyan City, Nie Yuanshan.

"Oh, I almost forgot since you weren't speaking," Nie Yuanshan said, patting his head as if suddenly recalling something. He took out a bead from the brocade pouch at his waist, which emitted a soft red glow. The bead was crystal clear, and within the sphere, a flame seemed to flicker. As soon as the bead left Nie Yuanshan's pouch, the temperature in the surrounding area began to rise.

This child is truly remarkable! Nie Yuanshan silently praised, astonished by the dazzling Ji Changkong at this moment. He felt that this moment of Ji Changkong should be the true Ji Changkong!

Contrary to everyone's expectations, Nie Yuanshan did not follow Ji Yusheng's suggestion to go eat first; instead, he frowned and insisted on staying behind

After glancing at Nie Yuanshan, Shao Kang resolutely said: "I have never seen that girl from the Jiu family, but I can assure you that she absolutely cannot possess such discernment"

Nie Yuanshan's expression darkened as he said: "This item is not given by me; it was obtained by that girl Ruolan after pestering her aunt for several days, and was exchanged through someone from the Lingbao Pavilion in Tianshui City! If you refuse to accept it, Ruolan will surely cause a commotion at home when you return!"

At the foot of the mountain, Shao Kang's eyes shone brightly as he gazed up at Ji Chang Kong, who was still struggling to climb.

Shao Kang fell silent once more, his demeanor returning to calm, yet his pair of sparkling eyes remained fixed on Ji Chang Kong, who was struggling to climb.

Ji Haoguang's wife, Zhao, watched as Nie Yuanshan forcefully stuffed the Flame Origin Pearl into Ji Wanyun's hands, her eyes nearly bursting with fury, and her greedy gaze was impossible to conceal

This child possesses great wisdom and perseverance, and his talents are unparalleled in my lifetime! Alas, he is unable to gather elemental energy; what a pity for such a promising seedling..." Shao Kang also shook his head and sighed, occasionally glancing back at the peak of Qingyan Mountain while returning to Qingyan City.

"Do not come and go as you please! You are currently in the Four Symbols Heavenly Realm, and you are communicating with the sacred beast Zhuque. With the help of this Flame Origin Pearl, you can save a lot of effort." Nie Yuanshan forcibly handed the Flame Origin Pearl to Ji Wanyun, muttering to himself, "If it weren't for Lan, this child, who has taken so much trouble over the years, a mere Flame Origin Pearl is nothing significant."

Although Ji Wanyun did not like the Ji Haoguang family, she made an exception for Ji Xiaolian. The fifteen-year-old Ji Xiaolian was inherently kind, innocent, and simple, making her very endearing.

Ji Haoguang tugged at his wife, Zhao, and shot her a fierce glare. Under Ji Haoguang's stern gaze, Zhao suppressed her greed and refrained from looking at the Flame Element Pearl in Ji Wanyun's hand

Nie Yuanshan's expression was grave as he stared blankly at Ji Changkong, lightly nodding his head and saying: "Keep watching!"

"Isn't there still one person who hasn't come down?" The usually taciturn butler Shao Kang pointed to Ji Chang Kong, who was still climbing, and asked knowingly, "Is he not one of your Ji family members?"

"Heaven, the Flame Origin Pearl! That is a treasure capable of enhancing communication with the sacred beast Zhuque!" An astute member of the Ji family’s collateral branch could not help but exclaim. Ji Yuxing, Ji Yusheng, and others wore strange expressions, staring blankly as Nie Yuanshan forcefully handed the Flame Origin Pearl to Ji Wanyun.

After a brief pause, Shao Kang exclaimed, "Ji Chang Kong has found a path to the summit that does not rely on jumping, but instead uses the protruding blue stones and the distances between them! There are no fewer than 5,000 protruding rocks on Qingyan Mountain, and the distance between each rock varies. He merely glanced at the foot of the mountain and astonishingly identified the most correct route! Moreover, he has no doubt whatsoever about the accuracy of his method and resolutely climbs towards the peak! Such keen insight and such determination, I, Shao Kang, must admit, do not measure up!"

Clearing his throat, Ji Yuxing attracted the attention of Nie Yuanshan and Shao Kang. Seeing both of them looking at him with displeasure, Ji Yuxing felt a pang of bitterness in his heart, somewhat confused. He quickly forced a smile and said: "The assessment for this year has concluded, and the rankings have been announced. Hehe, it is rare for the City Lord to visit our Ji family; I kindly request you to honor us with a meal before you leave"

... this consumption unexpectedly lasted until the evening glow filled the sky

"You are considering taking on a disciple, aren't you?" Nie Yuanshan sighed deeply, gazing intently at the steward Shao Kang, and said: "This child Chang Kong has a somewhat special identity; you should dispel this thought as soon as possible. Moreover, Chang Kong is already seventeen years old and still cannot gather elemental energy, which is sufficient to indicate that he cannot become a Celestial Master. So, do not dwell on it any further."

Suddenly, those members of the Ji family who had returned to the foot of the mountain seemed to have discovered something amusing. One by one, they laughed heartily, pointing at Ji Changkong, who had barely ascended half of Qingyan Mountain. As they watched Ji Changkong struggle to move, their faces were filled with disdain and contempt, and they openly mocked him.

Like Ji Wanyun, she is also in the realm of the Four Symbols and plans to communicate specifically with the sacred beast Zhuque. Therefore, she knows better than anyone how much the Flame Elemental Pearl can assist both her and Ji Wanyun

"Brother Chang Kong... will he fall down?" Ji Xiaolian rubbed her little belly and said softly with concern.

... ...

Overlooking the figures at the foot of the mountain, Ji Changkong suddenly experienced a wonderful illusion of having the entire world beneath his feet. Observing the thumbs-up raised by Nie Yuanshan, a sense of pride and satisfaction, recognized by others, welled up within him

As soon as Nie Yuanshan spoke, Ji Yuxing, despite his inner reluctance, dared not say anything more. He could only force a smile and offer a few words of praise to Nie Yuanshan, then accompanied him in waiting here for Ji Changkong to complete the remaining stretch of the exceedingly long journey.

Standing beside Ji Haoguang, Zhao Shi, who had been displaying an expression of impatience, suddenly noticed Nie Yuanshan taking out a fiery red orb. It seemed as if she sensed something, her almond-shaped eyes widened abruptly, becoming suddenly bright, as she fixed her gaze intently on the red orb in his hand.

Ji Yuxing was about to speak to persuade them to stay, but he found that Nie Yuanshan and Shao Kang had already walked several zhang away, leaving him stunned and somewhat at a loss.

As Ji Wanyun began to put away her belongings, Nie Yuanshan fell silent, directing his gaze towards Ji Changkong, just like Shao Kang.

In the past, at this time, the usually serious Ji Yuxing would be particularly lenient, not as stern as usual. However, having just heard that Yinshan's dove, Jiu Lingxue, has reached the realm of the Three Talents, how could he possibly not feel happy at this moment

"My lord, is it true that Ji Chang Kong cannot gather elemental energy?" On the way back, Shao Kang suddenly asked.

Therefore, all the members of the Ji family, whether direct or collateral relatives, numbering in the dozens, stood at the foot of the mountain, waiting alongside Nie Yuanshan, enduring the wait together

Nie Yuanshan's expression was extremely grave, and like Shao Kang, he focused his gaze intently on Ji Changkong, wearing a look of deep contemplation

... ... ''

Dragging his heavy body, Ji Changkong was drenched in sweat, and under the fiery clouds of the evening glow, he relied on his frail physique and a sense of unwillingness in his heart, taking one painstaking step after another to ascend Qingyan Mountain

The results of the assessment still need to be announced, and many matters require his personal arrangement. Ji Yuxing realized that Nie Yuanshan truly had no intention of dining at the Ji family, so he could only give up. Thus, Ji Yuxing stopped pursuing and busied himself with calling the disciples who participated in today's assessment to go in batches tomorrow to the Scripture Repository to select the secrets and techniques of the Heavenly Masters.

Seeing that all the family members had already come down, while Nie Yuanshan remained motionless, Ji Yuxing walked towards Nie Yuanshan with some confusion, accompanied by his two sons

At this moment, Ji Changkong, who has temporarily set aside his emotional burdens, seems like a different person. At the summit of Qingyan Mountain, he blends with the evening glow, his smile carefree and unrestrained, radiating a vibrant spirit!

Ji Yuxing's expression was awkward, and after a forced laugh, he explained: "Chang Kong's health is frail; look, he hasn't even made it halfway up the mountain yet. Not to mention whether he can reach Qingyan Mountain, but at this speed, even if he could reach Qingyan Mountain, it would probably take several hours. The city lord is busy with official duties, how could the Ji family dare to disturb him too much?"