At the foot of the mountain, Shao Kang’s eyes shone brilliantly as he gazed up at Ji Changkong, who was still struggling in his ascent. Nie Yuanshan’s expression was grave, and like Shao Kang, his gaze was deeply fixed upon Ji Changkong, a look of deep contemplation etched on his face.

“The Master must have seen it too,” the old steward Shao Kang let out another soft breath, calming his inner state before murmuring, “He cannot leap from one rock to the next, because his body lacks the necessary agility and strength; it would be impossible for him to grip and hold onto the rock the instant he lands from a jump. Therefore, he must seek out rocks immediately adjacent to him, those within reach of his hands and feet, just to move himself along.” “Climbing upward from this angle, the terrain is incredibly steep!

The scattered protruding rocks are of varying distances—some pressed tightly together, others separated by a full zhang! I had assumed that anyone unable to cover distance by leaping would have absolutely no chance of reaching the summit of Qingyan Mountain.

Thus, I was certain that the physically frail Ji Changkong would soon be forced to give up midway because he wouldn't find rocks to push off from!” Taking a deep breath, Shao Kang’s expression turned solemn, and he spoke each word with deliberation: “However, I must admit, I may have been wrong this time!” After a pause, Shao Kang then exclaimed, “Ji Changkong has found a path to the summit that relies not on leaping, but solely on the distance between the protruding blue stones! Qingyan Mountain has no fewer than five thousand protruding rocks, and the distance between each stone is different.

He only glanced at it casually from the base of the mountain just now, yet he has already found the most correct route! And he proceeds toward the summit without the slightest doubt that his method might be flawed!

Such perception, such resolve—even I, Shao Kang, would hesitate to claim I possess them!” Glancing at Nie Yuanshan, Shao Kang stated firmly, “I have never met that girl from the Jiu family, but I am certain that girl could never possess this level of insight!” Nie Yuanshan remained grave, staring fixedly at Ji Changkong, and nodded lightly, “Keep watching!” Shao Kang said no more, his demeanor returning to calm, yet his pair of shining eyes never left the struggling Ji Changkong inching his way up the mountain. …… Cheers erupted one after another from the summit of Qingyan Mountain.

In the time Nie Yuanshan and Shao Kang had been speaking, all the Ji family disciples, both collateral and direct lines, had already reached the top. Similar to the last assessment, there was little change this year: Ji Changxiao once again took first place, with Ji Changsheng and Ji Changle claiming second and third.

After summiting, the Ji family disciples, whether excited or disappointed, returned one by one to the base, standing beside Ji Yuxing and the other Ji family elders. They were either seeking praise or reward, chattering cheerfully about the perils they faced during the climb.

Suddenly, those returning disciples seemed to discover something highly amusing. They began laughing heartily, pointing at Ji Changkong, who hadn't even reached halfway up Qingyan Mountain.

Watching him still moving with difficulty, their faces filled with disdain and scorn, they began mocking him openly without reservation. “Haha, I knew it, this fellow would end up at the bottom.

Look at his clumsy movements, it’s hilarious!” “Waaah… he’s about to fall! I’m so worried for him, hahaha!

To dare participate in the assessment without the strength, I wonder what this boy is thinking. Doesn’t he know what it means to disgrace himself in public?” “Truly foolish.

To embarrass himself in front of the City Lord! Hmph, he’s disgraced the face of the entire Ji family!” “……” Previously, the usually stern Ji Yuxing would be especially lenient at this hour, not as severe as he usually was.

However, having just heard that Jiu Lingxue of the Yinshan Jiu family had reached the Three Talents Heaven realm, he certainly couldn't be happy now. Seeing that all the clan disciples had descended and Nie Yuanshan was still standing motionless, Ji Yuxing, with some confusion, led his two sons toward Nie Yuanshan.

Approaching Nie Yuanshan, Ji Yuxing cast a strange look at him, then at the steward Shao Kang. Ji Yuxing became even more perplexed, seemingly unable to understand why both Nie Yuanshan and Shao Kang were simultaneously watching Ji Changkong.

Clearing his throat to draw their attention, Ji Yuxing saw both men turn to look at him with displeasure. Ji Yuxing felt a pang of bitterness and, not understanding the cause, quickly offered a pleasant smile, “The assessment for this year is over, and the rankings are decided.

Hehe, the City Lord has rarely visited our Ji family; please honor us with a simple meal before departing.” “Isn’t there still one person who hasn’t come down?” The usually taciturn steward Shao Kang pointed towards the still-climbing Ji Changkong, asking deliberately, “Is he not one of your Ji family disciples?” Ji Yuxing’s expression grew awkward. He managed a dry chuckle before explaining, “Changkong’s body is weak, you see, he hasn't even reached the halfway point yet.

Putting aside whether he can reach the summit of Qingyan Mountain, at his current pace, even if he does, it will likely be several hours later. The City Lord is busy with official duties; how dare our Ji family disturb you so much.” At this moment, Ji Changkong’s grandfather, Ji Yusheng, and his aunt, Ji Wanyun, also approached.

Upon arriving, Ji Yusheng seemed to feel it was inappropriate to keep everyone waiting for Ji Changkong alone, and proposed with a stern face, “Why don’t you all go eat first? I’ll stay here and watch this useless fellow.” “No need.

I’m not busy today, I will wait!” To everyone’s surprise, Nie Yuanshan did not accept Ji Yusheng’s suggestion to dine first. Instead, frowning, he insisted on staying.

Once this was said, Nie Yuanshan stopped looking at Ji Yuxing and ignored all the Ji family members, young and old. He and Shao Kang continued to stare intently at Ji Changkong, who was moving inch by agonizing inch up the middle slope of Qingyan Mountain.

Once Nie Yuanshan made his declaration, no matter how unwilling Ji Yuxing was internally, he dared not say anything more. He could only smile wryly, offer a few compliments to Nie Yuanshan, and then wait alongside him, enduring the time it took for Ji Changkong to traverse the remaining, infinitely long path to the sky.

Since Ji Yuxing remained still, all the Ji family members, old and young, could only wait with him. Those disciples who had expended too much energy in the assessment were now afflicted by hunger pangs that let out strange growls.

But since Ji Yuxing had not given the word, they could only endure the hunger and wait, cursing Ji Changkong inwardly, watching him move forward with the agonizing slowness of a snail. “Brother Changkong… will he fall?” Ji Xiaolian rubbed her small stomach but whispered worriedly.

“It’s alright. With the City Lord here, even if Changkong falls, he will be fine,” Ji Wanyun smiled sweetly, pinching Ji Xiaolian’s cheek as she spoke.

Although Ji Wanyun disliked Ji Haoguang’s immediate family, Ji Xiaolian was an exception. Only fifteen years old, Ji Xiaolian was inherently kind, innocent, and exceptionally endearing.

“Oh, I almost forgot since you mentioned it,” Nie Yuanshan patted his head, as if suddenly recalling something. He reached into the pouch at his waist and pulled out a bead shining with a soft red light.

The bead was crystalline, and within its sphere, it seemed as though a tiny flame danced. The moment the bead left Nie Yuanshan’s pouch, the surrounding temperature immediately rose.

Standing beside Ji Haoguang, Zhao Shi, who had been displaying impatience, saw Nie Yuanshan take out a fiery red bead. As if sensing something, her almond eyes widened sharply and suddenly brightened.

Her gaze locked onto the red bead in his hand, refusing to look away. “This Flame Origin Bead was specially requested by my girl to be exchanged for by her aunt from the Spirit Treasure Pavilion in Tianshui City.

It’s her way of thanking you for teaching her embroidery and sewing. Hehe, this girl lost her mother young, and she always seemed to get along with you.

In the future, please visit Qingyan City often to help me discipline her; the girl only listens to you. You haven’t been here for a few days, and she’s been nagging in my ear constantly; I’m about to be driven mad by her chatter.” Nie Yuanshan said, smiling, as he tried to press the Flame Origin Bead into Ji Wanyun’s hand.

“Heavens, a Flame Origin Bead! That’s a treasure that can enhance one’s ability to communicate with the Vermilion Bird Holy Beast!” A discerning collateral disciple of the Ji family couldn't help but exclaim in shock.

Ji Yuxing, Ji Yusheng, and the others stared with strange expressions, watching blankly as Nie Yuanshan forcefully tried to give the Flame Origin Bead to Ji Wanyun. Zhao Shi, wife of Ji Haoguang, watched Nie Yuanshan trying to hand the Flame Origin Bead to Ji Wanyun, her eyes practically spitting fire; her greedy gaze was completely unconcealed.

“This is too valuable; I cannot accept it!” Ji Wanyun stepped back quickly, evading the offer. Nie Yuanshan’s face darkened.

“This wasn’t given by me; this is something Ruolan pestered her aunt for days to trade for at the Spirit Treasure Pavilion in Tianshui City! If you don’t accept it, won’t Ruolan turn the house upside down when we return!” “But… but…” Ji Wanyun waved her hands repeatedly, unsure of what to say.

“No buts and ifs! You are currently in the Four Symbols Heaven realm and communicating with the Vermilion Bird Holy Beast.

With the help of this Flame Origin Bead, you can save considerable effort.” Nie Yuanshan forced the Flame Origin Bead into Ji Wanyun’s hand and muttered to himself, “Ruolan has relied on your care these past few years; a single Flame Origin Bead is nothing.” Over there, Zhao Shi stared at the Flame Origin Bead, her eyeballs about to bulge out. —She was also in the Four Symbols Heaven realm, just like Ji Wanyun, and intended to focus on communicating with the Vermilion Bird Holy Beast.

Therefore, she understood better than anyone how much help the Flame Origin Bead would be to both her and Ji Wanyun. Ji Haoguang nudged his wife, Zhao Shi, giving her a sharp glare.

Under Ji Haoguang’s severe gaze, Zhao Shi forced down the greed in her heart and stopped looking at the Flame Origin Bead in Ji Wanyun’s hand. Seeing that Ji Wanyun had accepted the item, Nie Yuanshan stopped speaking and, like Shao Kang, returned his gaze to Ji Changkong.

Nie Yuanshan remained still, so Ji Yuxing remained still. Since Ji Yuxing remained still, no one in the Ji family, except Ji Yusheng, dared to move.

As Ji Changkong’s biological grandfather, how could Ji Yusheng afford to move rashly at this critical moment? Thus, all the Ji family members, both direct and collateral lines—dozens of people—waited anxiously at the foot of the mountain, enduring the delay along with Nie Yuanshan.

…… This waiting lasted until the sky was filled with the evening glow. Dragging his heavy body, Ji Changkong was drenched in sweat.

Under the fiery crimson clouds of the sunset, relying only on his frail body and the stubborn refusal in his heart, he reached the summit of Qingyan Mountain, one agonizing step after another. Clusters of fiery clouds dyed the sky.

In the afterglow of the sunset, Ji Changkong’s silhouette merged with the evening sky atop Qingyan Mountain. Ji Changkong was about to let out a long cry to the heavens when he suddenly noticed the crowd gathered at the mountain base.

Exhausted nearly to the point of collapse, Ji Changkong’s face was filled with astonishment. He looked down intently with his clear eyes, finally spotting the majestic and towering figure of Nie Yuanshan, the Lord of Qingyan City, within the throng.

At that moment, Nie Yuanshan raised his thumb to him from a distance! So it was because he was still here, he thought.

I thought the Ji family, young and old, had suddenly changed their temperaments? Ji Changkong gave a self-mocking smile.

Looking down at the shrinking figures at the foot of the mountain, Ji Changkong suddenly experienced the wonderful illusion of having the entire world beneath his feet. Seeing Nie Yuanshan’s raised thumb, a sense of pride and satisfaction from being recognized surged through him.

Unable to contain his excitement, Ji Changkong suddenly forgot his own suffering. He grinned, revealing his white teeth, and burst into a radiant smile, waving forcefully back toward Nie Yuanshan at the mountain base!

In that moment, Ji Changkong, having temporarily put aside his inner conflicts, seemed like a transformed person, dazzling with spirit atop Qingyan Mountain, his smile unrestrained and free, his entire demeanor effulgent! …… “This child is truly extraordinary in his bearing!” Nie Yuanshan exclaimed internally, surprised by the dazzling brilliance of Ji Changkong in that moment.

He felt that Ji Changkong at this instant must be the real Ji Changkong! After a moment of trance, Nie Yuanshan finally stiffened his face again and spoke coolly to Ji Yuxing, “It’s getting late; I need to hurry back to report to Ruolan.

I won't be dining at the Ji residence today.” Without waiting for Ji Yuxing to offer further persuasion, he and Shao Kang began walking toward Qingyan City. Ji Yuxing had just opened his mouth to urge them to stay, but found that Nie Yuanshan and Shao Kang were already several zhang away.

He stood there, momentarily lost and unsure what to do. The results of the assessment still needed to be announced, and many matters required his personal arrangement.

Seeing that Nie Yuanshan truly had no intention of dining at the Ji family’s, Ji Yuxing had no choice but to drop the matter. He stopped pursuing them and busied himself by calling the disciples who participated in today’s assessment to prepare to visit the Scripture Pavilion in batches tomorrow to select Heavenly Master secrets and techniques.

…… “Master, Ji Changkong truly cannot gather Yuan Power?” Shao Kang suddenly asked on their way back. “You’re thinking of taking him as a disciple, aren’t you?” Nie Yuanshan sighed deeply, looking at the steward Shao Kang, “Changkong’s status is somewhat special; you should dismiss that thought early on.

Besides, Changkong is already seventeen and still cannot gather Yuan Power; that fact alone proves he cannot become a Heavenly Master, so stop overthinking it.” “This child possesses great wisdom and tremendous willpower; his aptitude is unparalleled in my life! Ah, it is such a pity for such a fine seedling that he cannot gather Yuan Power…” Shao Kang also shook his head and sighed.

On the way back to Qingyan City, he kept turning back to glance at the peak of Qingyan Mountain. The sight of the unrestrained freedom that burst forth from the youth waving forcefully under the vast red sky atop Qingyan Mountain had left an indelible and profound impression on Shao Kang’s heart!

…… : Please bookmark this, and throw recommendation tickets with all your might. Thank you (^__^)……