The Name of Eternals

Chapter 229: Subdued with Two Slaps

At the peak of the sacred mountain, inside the Ji family's discussion hall.

Apart from Ji Yunge's familiar brothers who were accompanying him on his final journey, other elders and branch leaders of the Ji family had gathered here. They had wanted to visit Ji Yunge, out of respect for him as the family's war god, but Ji Daoxin had stopped them. He understood that Ji Yunge, able to return to the family on the brink of death, was driven by his attachment to certain family matters. Random people would only burden him.

Having fought for the Ji family all his life, Ji Daoxin hoped Ji Yunge could leave peacefully, in his own way, free from mundane affairs.

Now, the gathered elders and branch leaders were discussing Ji Yunge's return.

"What a pity that War God Yunge is about to dissipate. Otherwise, this boy bringing back his heroic soul would be a great contribution to our Ji family!"

"Yunge wants this boy to join the Ji family, but that would break our rules."

"Out of respect for the thirteenth elder, we did not severely punish Ji Qingqing. As a direct descendant, she committed a grave offense but was only imprisoned for a thousand years. Now, letting her son join the family could be a bad omen for us!"

"That's right. If we set this precedent, how will we handle other geniuses marrying outsiders in the future?"

The discussion was lively, with most opposing the idea. Some were instigated by Ji Qingyuan's faction.

Since Ji Qingyuan's successive breakthroughs in the Four Stable Realms made him a new war god of the Ji family, many had allied with him.

An elderly man with snowy hair and a naturally imposing demeanor sat calmly next to Ji Daoxin. He was Ji Qingyuan, whose mere presence and initial objection encouraged his supporters to speak out.

"I have already agreed to Yunge's request. He is our family's war god and has fought for us half his life. Isn't it worth thanking the boy who brought his soul back?"

Ji Daoxin said calmly, "Besides, Qingqing's matter is settled. It's unnecessary to revisit it. The boy carries Qingqing's blood but is an outsider. According to the rules, he should be executed. But risking his life to bring Yunge back shows his dedication, which we must consider."

"Patriarch, that boy's motive is clearly to use this merit to join our Ji family."

An elder said, "His intentions are obvious."

"Indeed, using our family's resources to advance—what wishful thinking!"

Another elder, known for his temper, spoke out. His grandfather's generation had been prestigious.

"Everyone, War God Yunge mentioned that the boy is a rare genius. If our family can gain such a talent, it would be a good thing."

A member of Ji Yunge's faction spoke up.

"Hmph, our family doesn't lack geniuses. With our resources, even a slightly talented individual can be nurtured into a genius. Why would we need a half-blood mongrel?"

The hot-tempered elder sneered.

The harsh insult made a few people's faces darken with anger.

They were from Ji Yunge's lineage, and Ji Qingqing's child was their kin, sharing their blood.

But the Ji family's strict ban on intermarriage had led to many executions or imprisonments. Those from ordinary backgrounds faced even harsher insults. Though angry, they knew showing anger would only provoke more people.

"Let's say he joins the family. Will he be considered a branch member or a direct descendant?" an elder asked.

The debaters turned their eyes to Ji Daoxin.

Ji Daoxin's calm gaze swept over Ji Qingyuan, understanding this was the real issue behind his opposition.

While the Ji family could unite against external enemies, centuries of internal conflicts over bloodlines and sacred bones created deep-seated biases and arrogance.

For instance, branch members could only live on floating islands outside the sacred mountain.

Even a war god like Ji Qingyuan couldn't reside on the sacred mountain.

Despite his high status, his name's "Qing" character marked him lower than his peers from the direct line.

Branch members, generally in the middle and lower ranks, faced widespread prejudice from the direct line, which held more power and strength.

Ji Qingyuan, though strong and now a war god, couldn't escape the stigma of his branch origins.

This deep-seated bias perpetuated arrogance and resentment.

Ji Daoxin saw through Ji Qingyuan's intentions and empathized but understood this was a deadlock only a sage could resolve.

Only their founder's resurrection and a sage's teaching could rewrite this situation. Otherwise, the animosity over bloodlines and sacred bones would persist.

Now, the boy's arrival was just another trigger for the Ji family's internal strife.

The problem wasn't with the boy but with Ji Qingyuan's deep-seated issues and the long-standing internal conflicts.

After a moment of silence, Ji Daoxin said, "He is Qingqing's child, thus a direct descendant. But his status as branch or direct line can depend on his bloodline's purity. Yunge said he has the potential of a genius, and he might carry our family's sacred bone."

"If he has a sacred bone, he'll be a direct descendant. If not, and his talent is ordinary, he'll be a branch member. What do you think?"

Many elders exchanged glances, considering his words.

Ji Qingyuan, sensing Ji Daoxin's gaze, understood his implicit question.

He remained silent.

"Patriarch, if he's a branch member, his status as a genius depends on his strength."

An elder said.

"Indeed, bringing Yunge back only spares his life. Not executing him is already lenient. How dare this outsider's blood taint our family!"

"Are we agreeing to let him join? I disagree. Even as a branch member, he's unworthy!"

"If his blood mixes with ours through marriage, our lineage will dilute further."

The debate resumed.

Ji Daoxin saw Ji Qingyuan's indifference and his face darkened: "Enough!"

The two words, though softly spoken, silenced the hall.

The elders' arguments had purpose and reason. Realizing they had angered the patriarch, their expressions changed.

"If there are objections, we'll put it to a vote at the elders' council!" Ji Daoxin said coldly.

Hearing this, many elders' faces changed. The council favored the direct line. If called, Ji Yunge's faction could sway the decision, making the boy a direct descendant.

They hoped to avoid this, knowing a council meeting was disruptive. Many elders were either in seclusion or stationed elsewhere.

Calling them would compel their attendance.

Ji Qingyuan squinted and finally spoke: "Everyone, since the patriarch has decided, I agree."

"Our family respects strength. Whether direct or branch depends on his strength."

"If he has a sacred bone, expelling him would be laughable. Other ancient clans would mock us!"

"Since War God Yunge favors him, he must have some talent. Let Qingshuang test him."

His words quieted the hall.

Ji Daoxin's eyes narrowed. "Respecting strength" was clearly directed.

Though a war god, Ji Qingyuan still bore the branch label, hoping this would elevate other branch members.

Though a war god, his status was still marred by his origins. He sought equal treatment for his descendants.

Thinking of past conflicts, Ji Daoxin sighed, predicting another internal strife.

"War God Qingyuan is right. Our world respects strength. Let's see if the boy is strong."

Branch leaders echoed Ji Qingyuan's words, feeling validated.

Even neutral high-ranking members saw the agreement between Ji Qingyuan and the patriarch and ceased further debate.

"Then…"

Ji Daoxin began, but an attendant rushed in: "Patriarch, there's trouble below."

"Hmm?"

Ji Daoxin's spiritual sense quickly enveloped the area without asking.

"What is it?" an elder asked, unable to extend his sense so freely.

"Ji Yufen and that outsider are fighting!"

The attendant reported.

Everyone was stunned, exchanging glances. A branch elder asked, "Do you mean the boy who brought back War God Yunge?"

"Yes," the attendant confirmed.

"Outrageous!"

"Fighting our genius upon arrival? Arrogant!"

"Well, let Ji Yufen teach him a lesson. Our family isn't a place for anyone to act wild."

Many were indignant.

Ji Qingyuan stood, noting Ji Daoxin's spiritual sense but refrained from using his own as a non-direct member. He bowed slightly: "I intended for Qingshuang to test him, but it seems unnecessary. I'll see this genius myself. A direct line half-blood should be strong."

With a faint smile, he bid the patriarch farewell and left.

Others followed, eager to watch the drama unfold.

"That boy…"

Ji Yunge's faction members were worried, fearing the boy's impulsiveness. They quickly left to prevent him from suffering.

Others glanced at Ji Daoxin, surprised by his unexpected look of slight astonishment. He didn't stop Ji Qingyuan and the others from leaving.

...

...

A loud crash!

A figure flew out, smashing through the guest hall's doors, rolling onto the street.

Nearby, a boy stood with a somber expression.

Ji Boduan's face changed. Ignoring the fallen boy, he rushed inside: "Everyone, calm down. This is the guest hall, no fighting allowed."

"Get lost!"

The standing boy commanded.

Ji Boduan's face turned sour.

The boy ignored him, staring intently at the seated youth. His subordinate's defeat surprised him.

The boy was Ji Yufen, a Ji family genius. Seeing Li Hao's age, he decided to teach him a lesson, avoiding accusations of bullying.

His follower, a talented but not top-tier disciple, was easily beaten by Li Hao.

"I see you have some skill. Did you think this would get you into our family?"

Ji Yufen's eyes were cold.

He stepped forward, planning to handle Li Hao himself.

"Young Master Yufen, you can't break the rules…"

Ji Boduan intervened.

"Move!"

Ji Yufen's aura exploded, revealing a peak Three Immortal Realm aura.

His shout pushed Ji Boduan back. He approached Li Hao like a dragon.

"Change your name and leave now while you can!"

He looked down at the seated Li Hao.

Li Hao paused, holding his teacup.

"Who are you?"

Li Hao asked.

"You don't need to know. You're unworthy!"

Ji Yufen's eyes were cold.

Li Hao calmly drank his tea: "I asked who you are, not to know your name, but to say—who do you think you are to question my name?"

"Because this is the Ji family, and you're a mongrel unfit for our name!"

Ji Yufen yelled.

Li Hao's eyes flashed coldly. He looked at the furious boy, then calmly placed his teacup down and slowly stood.

Ji Yufen didn't attack, not wanting to ambush him. As a genius, he had his pride.

He watched the taller Li Hao, annoyed by the height difference.

"Seems Ji family etiquette is lacking," Li Hao said softly.

Before Ji Yufen could react, a loud slap echoed.

Ji Yufen's head snapped sideways, blood spraying from his mouth. His body-tempering technique shattered under Li Hao's slap.

"Consider this an education from me."

Li Hao's gaze turned cold, looking at the onlookers outside: "Whose child is this? Must I kill him for you to claim his body?"

The shocked onlookers saw Ji Yufen slapped unconscious by Li Hao.

"You, you!"

Ji Yufen, regaining his senses, felt his blood boil.

"You're dead!"

He roared, his aura surging. His body expanded, emitting a cracking sound.

A fierce Kunpeng beast's shadow appeared behind him, exuding savage power.

But before he could act, another slap struck.

This time, his head was smashed into the stone floor, the beast shadow dissipating.

"Must I kill you?"

Li Hao withdrew his hand, glaring at the onlookers.

The spectators were stunned. Li Hao easily subdued Ji Yufen, knocking him out with two slaps.

Ji Boduan, shocked, couldn't believe the boy's strength despite his age.

Even the youngest Ji family geniuses like Ji Yufen, at fifteen, were at the peak Three Immortal Realm, nearing the Dao Heart.

Yet Li Hao effortlessly defeated him?

"How arrogant!"

Above, figures exuding powerful auras appeared, dressed elegantly.

"Daring to hurt our people here, did you steal our techniques from your mother? If so, don't blame us for being harsh!"

A young man stepped forward, revealing a Four Stable Realms aura.

Spectators were amazed.

"That's Ji Mingque, a strong genius."

"The outsider defeated Ji Yufen, seems strong too!"

"If War God Yunge praises him, he must be skilled."

"But he's treating our family like a lowly place. Even a genius must submit here."

"His merits in bringing back War God Yunge should be considered. Is this right?"

Many observed, discussing the situation.

Li Hao frowned at the Ji family's hostility, realizing Ji Yunge was an exception.

"War God Yunge calls you a genius. If so, prove you can stand with us."

Ji Mingque's cold eyes looked down at Li Hao, refraining from rash action until orders were given.

"Standing with you would insult me."

Li Hao said quietly.

"Die!"

Ji Mingque's eyes flashed, his spear striking with fierce force.

The spear's true might converged, creating a terrifying attack aimed at Li Hao.