The triennial Ji Clan Trial was once again taking place at Green Rock Mountain.

Early in the morning, Ji Yuxing, Ji Haohong, Ji Haoguang, and a crowd of the Ji Clan’s elders and youngsters were already waiting at the mountain's base.

Ji Changkong stood beside Ji Wanyun, silent, though his gaze drifted among the Zhao and Luo clanswomen, lost in thought.

Ji Changxiao, Ji Changsheng, Ji Changle, Ji Yueqing, and Ji Xiaolian, the younger generation, clustered near Ji Yuxing, conversing in low tones. Whenever Ji Xiaolian caught Ji Changkong looking her way, she would smile sweetly and wave hello.

Each time this happened, Ji Yueqing would frown and murmur something to Ji Xiaolian, who would respond with a pout, clearly a bit impatient.

After a while, the collateral branch disciples of the Ji Clan began to arrive, quietly taking their positions at the foot of Green Rock Mountain, eager to secure an advantageous spot in hopes of distinguishing themselves in the coming Trial.

“Wanyun, where is your father? On a day like this, he isn't still in secluded cultivation, is he? I don’t know what’s possessed him these last two years; I barely see him!” Seeing the appointed hour drawing near with Ji Yusheng still absent, he frowned slightly and inquired of Ji Wanyun with clear displeasure.

“He knows the date; he should be here any moment,” Ji Wanyun replied, slightly bowed.

“Wanyun, that matter… have you given it any thought?” Ji Yuxing hesitated, then asked gravely.

“Second Uncle, I have no intention of marrying again in this life! Life elsewhere… isn’t easy…” Ji Wanyun kept her head down, a flash of deep resentment crossing her eyes, inwardly disgusted that Ji Yuxing and the others constantly treated her as a pawn for the sake of the Ji Clan.

“Hmph!” Ji Yuxing let out a low growl of disapproval. “The Jia family is deeply established in Green Rock City, and I know Jia Rongfeng; he’s achieved the Five Elements Heaven cultivation, and his wife died young. The man doesn't even mind your past—what more could you be unsatisfied with?”

Ji Wanyun bowed her head, saying nothing, her eyes brimming with fury.

Ji Changkong suddenly looked up and glared fiercely at Ji Yuxing, though he held back from saying more.

“Wanyun’s affairs are for her to decide!” Just then, Ji Yusheng’s voice rang out.

In an instant, Ji Yusheng arrived like a flash of lightning. He shot a vicious look toward the distant Zhao and Luo women and barked, “It was only because we forced Wanyun to marry into the Tu family back then that she endured years of sorrow! You may not feel it, but I feel it! This time, if anyone dares pressure Wanyun again, don’t blame me for showing no mercy!”

“Thank you, Father!” Ji Wanyun suddenly lifted her head, her eyes suddenly wet with tears.

“Third Brother, it seems your recent cultivation has led to significant progress. But don't forget, I am still the head of this family! Some matters are not for you to disrupt as you please!” Ji Yuxing, enraged and embarrassed, shouted back. “The Jiu family has repeatedly humiliated us, showing no regard for the Ji Clan! If Wanyun could secure a connection with the Jia family, the Jiu family would never dare act so recklessly again! For the sake of our Ji Clan, small sacrifices are inevitable; you should focus on the bigger picture!”

“Why is it always Wanyun who must be sacrificed?!” Ji Yusheng roared in anger, tossing his sleeve. “If sacrifices are needed, sacrifice someone else! In any case, I absolutely will not agree!”

“You…” Ji Yuxing’s face turned ashen; he pointed at Ji Yusheng, unable to speak.

“Ahem…”

Just then, a light cough sounded from the distance—Nie Yuanshan. After a moment, three figures gradually appeared.

Besides Nie Yuanshan and the steward Shao Kang, there was Nie Ruolan, dressed in men's attire. She exuded an air of heroism, wearing a dark cyan silk long robe, looking every bit the dashing young nobleman, entirely lacking the delicate softness expected of a young woman.

Ji Yuxing and Ji Yusheng, who had been on the verge of another shouting match, instantly fell silent upon seeing Nie Yuanshan arrive.

Ji Yuxing even stepped forward, plastering a grin on his face. “The City Lord graces us with his presence; it truly illuminates our humble Ji residence! We must trouble you again this year, City Lord.”

“No matter,” Nie Yuanshan replied coolly, giving Ji Yuxing a slight nod before walking straight toward Ji Yusheng and Ji Wanyun, accompanied by steward Shao Kang and Nie Ruolan.

“Changkong, I hear you can finally gather Origin Energy? Ha! Excellent! Your father dominated Green Rock City in his day; I imagine you won't be far behind!” Upon reaching them, Nie Yuanshan greeted Ji Yusheng and Ji Wanyun, then turned to speak warmly with Ji Changkong.

Shao Kang’s eyes gleamed sharply as he continuously sized up Ji Changkong, nodding approvingly to himself. In his view, Ji Changkong was a piece of unpolished jade. He had intended to take Ji Changkong as a disciple three years ago, but because Ji Changkong couldn't gather Origin Energy, he had to let the idea drop.

Two years ago, upon hearing that Ji Changkong could gather Origin Energy, Shao Kang had visited the Ji Clan personally, intending to discuss the matter. However, Ji Changkong had been diligently cultivating in the Great Marsh of Cloud and Dream, and Shao Kang never managed to meet him. This time, Shao Kang had a plan: as soon as the Trial ended, he intended to bring this matter up with Ji Yusheng and Ji Changkong.

“Uncle Nie overpraises me. I don't wish to compare myself to anyone; I only want to be true to myself!” Hearing Nie Yuanshan draw a parallel between him and his father, Ji Changkong, who had never held any fondness for Ji Haotian, immediately shook his head, signaling he didn’t wish to be compared to that father.

Sighing internally, Nie Yuanshan nodded, saying nothing more.

“Hmph, that little rogue. It would be a miracle if he amounts to anything!” Nie Ruolan, who had been quietly chattering with Ji Wanyun, shot Ji Changkong a disdainful glance, declaring haughtily, “He’s only just gained Origin Energy. It might take him another ten years or so just to reach the Two Extremes Heaven realm. To speak of dominating Green Rock City—what a joke!”

“Ruolan, Changkong is no worse than anyone else! If Changkong had possessed Origin Energy earlier, that girl from the Yin Mountain Jiu family wouldn't have been able to act so presumptuously in the Ji Clan!”

Ji Wanyun chided her softly. Others might not know Ji Changkong’s current strength, but she certainly did. Holding great hope for him, she felt uncomfortable hearing anyone belittle him—not even Nie Ruolan!

“Auntie Wanyun, isn't Ji Changxiao defeated by Jiu Lingxue every year, despite being first in the Trial? I’m not looking down on this little rogue; I’m just stating facts,” Nie Ruolan pouted, revealing a sliver of girlish softness, and grumbled quietly, “You only know how to dote on him, how to shield him. What’s so great about him…”

Ji Wanyun couldn't help but smile faintly, shaking her head gently. She thought to herself: Who was it who risked life and death to collect the Thousand Year Toad’s saliva to heal the four scars on my face? How could I not cherish him?!

“Not necessarily!” Ji Yuxing suddenly uttered a proud, sharp exclamation.

When he realized everyone was looking at him, he pointed to the impassive Ji Changxiao and declared with pride, “A month ago, Changxiao broke through to the Three Talents Heaven realm! Once he passes this threshold, with a bit more diligent cultivation, whether Jiu Lingxue can continue to defeat him remains to be seen!”

At these words, the collateral disciples were filled with envy, looking at Ji Changxiao with immense excitement and reverence.

The impassive Ji Changxiao instantly became the focus of attention—people with formidable power always attract notice!

Even Nie Yuanshan and steward Shao Kang looked deeply at Ji Changxiao. For someone of his age to break through to the Three Talents Heaven realm so quickly, while perhaps not as monstrously fast as Jiu Lingxue, he was certainly a figure worth noting!

“Good!” Nie Yuanshan praised, smiling. “Green Rock City has gained another notable figure! Your generation truly raises expectations!”

He paused, then looked tenderly at Ji Changkong, offering comfort. “Changkong, keep working hard. Although your start was later than others, given your aptitude and intelligence, your future achievements… may not necessarily fall short of theirs!”

In his eyes, Ji Changkong, who had only gathered Origin Energy for just over two years, was naturally far from comparable to Jiu Lingxue or Ji Changxiao. He worried that Ji Changkong might be disheartened by the competition and thus negatively affect his cultivation mindset. Therefore, he emphasized the fact that Ji Changkong had begun gathering Origin Energy too late, offering an excuse for him.

“I understand, Uncle Nie,” Ji Changkong replied with a calm smile, undeterred.

“By the way, Changkong, you must have reached the peak of the One Origin Heaven realm by now, right?” Ji Yusheng, newly out of seclusion, was unaware of Ji Changkong’s true strength. In an effort to regain some ground against Ji Yuxing, he asked Ji Changkong casually.

Ji Changkong did not reply verbally but gave a slight nod.

“Excellent! In just two years, to reach the peak of One Origin Heaven—that speed isn't much slower than anyone else! Some of these youngsters have been stuck at that stage for years!” Ji Yusheng roared loudly, ensuring everyone could hear, deliberately glancing at Ji Changle and Ji Changsheng as he spoke.

Ji Wanyun secretly chuckled. Among everyone present, only she knew Ji Changkong’s real strength: he had already reached the peak of the Two Extremes Heaven realm!

“Changxiao has reached the Three Talents Heaven realm; he doesn't need to participate this year! You youngsters, all take your proper places; the Trial is about to begin!” Ji Yuxing frowned, interrupting Ji Yusheng’s spirited boasting.

As soon as Ji Yuxing finished speaking, all the Ji Clan youths participating in the Trial obediently chose a climbing spot and stood ready.

After everyone else was positioned, Ji Changkong selected an area that was the steepest, entirely devoid of any protruding rock formations that could offer leverage, and stood there smiling, calm and composed.

Huh?

Everyone who saw the area Ji Changkong chose was filled with surprise, their faces showing utter confusion.

Because the area he chose was an absolute dead end!

All the way up, the surface was smooth Green Rock Stone, with not a single jutting rock in between—making it impossible to gain any purchase to ascend! Across the many years the Ji Clan Trial had been held, no one had ever dared to choose such a treacherous path!

What on earth was he planning to do?

…