Chapter 4: Identifying Talent

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

  Nie Yuanshan's face was extremely solemn, and like Shao Kang, he focused his gaze deeply on Ji Changkong, with a thoughtful expression.

  "The old master should have also seen it." The old steward Shao Kang took a light breath, calming his mood, and then said in a low voice: "He can't jump from one rock to another because his body is not agile enough. It's absolutely impossible for him to grab the rock firmly at the moment he falls down. So, he can only look for rocks that are close to him and just within reach of his hands and feet to move his body."

  From this angle, the mountain is extremely steep! The scattered rocks are unevenly spaced, some are close together, while others are half a foot apart! I thought that people who couldn't jump or move freely wouldn't be able to climb to the top of Qingyan Mountain, so I was sure that Ji Changkong, with his weak body, would soon give up because he couldn't find any rocks to support himself.

  Taking a deep breath, Shao Kang's expression turned solemn, and he said slowly: "However, I have to admit that this time, I'm probably wrong!"

  Pausing for a moment, Shao Kang finally said in a low voice: "Ji Changkong has found a way to climb to the top without using Teng Jump, relying solely on the distance between the protruding bluestones! The Bluestone Mountain has no less than 5,000 protruding rocks, and the distance between each rock is different. He just stood at the foot of the mountain and took a casual glance, yet he found the most correct path! Moreover, he didn't doubt his method for even a moment, and firmly climbed towards the top! Such eyesight, such temperament, I Shao Kang am inferior to him!"

  He glanced at Nie Yuanshan and said decisively, "I've never seen that girl from the Qu family, but I can assure you that she absolutely doesn't have such eyesight!"

  Nie Yuanshan's expression was solemn, and he stared blankly at Ji Changkong. He nodded slightly and said, "Continue watching!"

  Shao Kang fell silent, his expression calm once more. Only a pair of shining eyes remained fixed on Ji Changkong as he struggled to climb.

  ……

  One after another cheers came from the top of Qingyan Mountain, at this moment when Nie Yuan and Shao Kang were speaking. All the Ji family disciples, whether collateral or direct, had already reached the top. As with the previous assessment, there was not much change this year, still it was Ji Changxiao who took the first place, Ji Changsheng and Ji Changle taking second and third places respectively.

  After reaching the top, those younger brothers of the Ji family, whether excited or disappointed, all returned to the foot of the mountain one by one and stood beside the Ji family elders, either boasting about their achievements or asking for rewards, smiling and talking about the thrilling experience they had just had while climbing the mountain.

  Suddenly, those Ji family disciples who had returned to the foot of the mountain seemed to have discovered something funny, and they burst out laughing one after another, pointing at Ji Changkong who was still struggling to climb halfway up Lianqing Rock. Looking at Ji Changkong's difficult movements, their faces were filled with disdain and contempt, and they ridiculed him without any disguise.

  "Haha, I knew it, this guy is definitely going to be the worst. Just look at his clumsy appearance, it's really too funny!"

  "Wooo... he's about to fall off, I'm really worried for him, haha, doesn't have the ability, yet still dares to participate in the trial, what is this kid thinking? Doesn't he know what it means to lose face?"

  "How foolish! He actually embarrassed the Lord of the City, and from now on, don't think about having a foothold in Qingyan Castle again! Hmph, the face of the Ji family has also been completely lost by him!"

  “……”

  In the past, whenever it was this time, Ji Yu Xing, who was always serious, would be particularly lenient and not as strict as usual. However, having just heard that Yin Shan Que's Ling Xue had reached the Three Talents Heaven realm, he couldn't help but feel excited too.

  Seeing that all the family members had come down, while Nie Yuanshan was still there motionless, Ji Yuexing walked towards Nie Yuanshan with a hint of puzzlement, accompanied by his two sons.

  Arriving beside Nie Yuanshan, Ji Yuexing looked at him with a strange gaze, then glanced at the steward Shao Kang. Ji Yuexing's expression became even more perplexed, seemingly unable to understand why Nie Yuanshan and Shao Kang were both staring at Ji Changkong at the same time.

  With a slight cough, Ji Yu Xing attracted the attention of Nie Yuan Shan and Shao Kang. Seeing that both of them were looking at him with displeasure, Ji Yu Xing felt a pang in his heart and hastily forced a smile, saying: "This year's assessment has already ended, and the rankings have also been announced. Hehe, Lord City Master rarely comes to our Ji family, please do us the honor of having a simple meal before leaving."

  "Isn't there still one person who hasn't come down?" The usually taciturn butler, Shao Kang, pointed at Ji Changkong, who was still climbing, and asked with feigned ignorance, "Isn't he a member of the Ji family?"

  Ji Yu Xing's expression was awkward, and he forced a laugh before explaining: "Chang Kong's body is weak, you see, he still hasn't climbed halfway up the mountain. Let's not mention whether he can reach Qingyan Mountain, but at this speed, even if he really could make it to Qingyan Mountain, I'm afraid it would be several hours later. The city lord is busy with official duties, how dare the Ji family disturb him too much."

  At this time, Ji Changkong's grandfather, Ji Yusheng, and aunt, Ji Wanyun, also walked over. After Ji Yusheng arrived, he seemed to feel that it was not suitable for everyone to wait here for Ji Changkong alone, so he suggested with a straight face: "Why don't you all go eat first? I'll stay here and watch this useless guy."

  "No need, I'm free around this time today, I'll wait for you!"

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

  As soon as the words fell, Nie Yuanshan stopped looking at Ji Yuexing and didn't care about all the old and young of the Ji family. Instead, he continued to gaze intently with Shao Kang at Ji Changkong who was moving inch by inch with difficulty on the waist of Qingyan Mountain.

  Nie Yuanshan spoke up, and Ji Yuxing, even if he was unwilling in his heart, did not dare to say anything more. He could only smile bitterly and praise Nie Yuanshan a few times, then accompany him here, waiting for Ji Changkong to finish the remaining extremely long journey through the sky.

  The Ji family was stuck, unable to move forward. All the young and old members of the Ji family could only stay there together, those who had just exhausted themselves in the trial were now growling with hunger, but since Ji Yu Xing didn't say a word, they could only endure their hunger and continue on. Each one of them was secretly cursing Ji Chang Kong, coldly watching him move forward with great difficulty like a snail.

  "Brother in the sky... won't you fall down?" Ji Xiaolian rubbed her little belly, but worriedly whispered a sentence.

  "It's alright, with the Lord of the City here, even if you fall from the sky, nothing will happen." Ji Wan Yun smiled sweetly and pinched Ji Xiao Lian's little face, saying.

  Ji Wanyun disliked Ji Haoguang and his family, but Ji Xiaolian was an exception. Fifteen-year-old Ji Xiaolian had a kind nature, was innocent and simple-minded, and was extremely lovable.

  "Oh, you didn't say anything and I forgot." Nie Yuanshan patted his head, as if suddenly remembering something, and took out a bead that shone with soft red light from the silk bag at his waist. The bead was crystal clear, and inside it seemed to have a flame dancing about. As soon as the bead left Nie Yuanshan's silk bag, the temperature around him rose.

  Standing beside Ji Huang Guang, Zhao's expression had been impatient all along. Seeing Nie Yuan Shan take out a fiery red bead, he seemed to have sensed something, his apricot eyes suddenly widened and brightened, staring intently at the red bead in his hand.

  "This Flame Origin Pearl was brought by my niece from the Lingbao Pavilion in Tianshui City, saying thank you for teaching her embroidery and sewing. Hehe, this little girl has been close to you since she was a child, so please take care of her more often in Qingyan City in the future. She only listens to your words. You haven't come for several days, and she's been nagging me every day, I'm almost driven crazy by her." Nie Yuanshan said with a smile, while forcing the Flame Origin Pearl into Ji Wanyun's hand.

  "Heavens, Flame Origin Pearl! That's a treasure that can increase communication with the Sacred Beast Vermilion Bird!" A discerning member of the Ji family's collateral branch couldn't help but exclaim. Ji Yu-xing and Ji Yu-sheng were both looking strange, staring blankly at Nie Yuan-shan as he forcibly handed the Flame Origin Pearl to Ji Wan-yun.

  Lady Huang Guang's wife, Zhao, saw Nai Yuan Shan forcing the Huo Yan Yuan Zhu onto Ji Wan Yun, her eyes almost spitting fire, that greedy gaze couldn't be concealed.

  "It's too expensive, I can't accept this!" Ji Wenyun took a step back and hastily avoided it.

  Nie Yuanshan's face sank, and he said, "This thing wasn't given by me. It was that little girl Ye Lanyu who pestered her aunt for several days before exchanging it from the Lingbao Pavilion in Tianshui City! If you don't accept it, when you go back, Ye Lanyu will make a big fuss at home!"

  "But... but..." Ji Wenyun shook her head repeatedly, unsure of what to say.

  "Don't be like that! You're currently in the Four Symbol Heavenly Boundary, and you're also 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: "That child Rulan, these past few years have been thanks to your efforts. A single Flame Origin Pearl is nothing much after all."

  Zhao's family on the other side stared at Huo Yan's pearl, their eyes almost bulging out.

  She, like Ji Wanyun, is also in the realm of Four Symbols and plans to communicate with the sacred beast Zhuque. Therefore, she knows better than anyone how much help the Flame Origin Pearl can bring to her and Ji Wanyun.

  Ji Huang Guang pulled his wife, Zhao Shi, and glared at her fiercely. Under Ji Huang Guang's stern gaze, Zhao Shi suppressed the greed in her heart and refrained from looking at the Flame Pearl in Ji Wan Yun's hand.

  Ji Yuanyun put away her things, Nie Yuanshan stopped talking and shifted his gaze to Ji Changkong, just like Shao Kang.

  Nie Yuanshan didn't move, Ji Yuxing didn't move. Ji Yuxing didn't move, and the entire Ji family, except for Ji Yusheng, didn't dare to move.

  Ji Yu Sheng as Ji Chang Kong's own grandfather, at this critical moment would he make a reckless move?

  So all the old and young of the Ji family, whether they were direct or collateral relatives, dozens of people stared blankly at the foot of the mountain, accompanying Nie Yuanshan in his futile wait.

  ...and before I knew it, the whole day had slipped away until the sky was filled with sunset glow.

  With a heavy body, Ji Changkong was drenched in sweat under the fiery clouds of sunset. Relying on this frail body and driven by an unyielding determination in his heart, he took one step at a time, leaving behind footprints, and finally climbed up the Qingyan Mountain with great difficulty!

  A cluster of fire clouds dyed the sky, under the afterglow of the sunset, the figure of Ji Changkong was on the top of Qingyan Mountain, blending with the sunset.

  Ji Changkong was just about to let out a long whistle, but suddenly discovered that the foot of the mountain was surrounded by people. Ji Changkong, who was already exhausted and on the verge of collapse, had a look of astonishment on his face, with his clear eyes seriously looking down at the foot of the mountain, where he saw the majestic and towering master of Qingyuan City, Nie Yuanshan, in the crowd.

  At this time, Nier Yushan surprisingly gave him a thumbs up from afar!

  It turned out that it was because of him after all. I thought the whole Ji family had suddenly changed their ways. Ji Changkong smiled self-mockingly.

  Looking down at the tiny figures at the foot of the mountain, Ji Changkong suddenly had a wonderful illusion that he was trampling on everyone under his feet. Looking at the thumb-like peak of Nieyuan Mountain, a sense of pride and satisfaction that came from being recognized by others arose spontaneously.

  Unable to contain the excitement in her heart, Ji Changkong suddenly forgot her own sorrow, bared her white teeth and burst into a brilliant smile, and waved vigorously at Nie Yuanshan at the foot of the mountain!

  At this moment, Ji Changkong, who had temporarily put down his heart knot, seemed to have changed into a different person. On the top of Qingyan Mountain, he was as radiant as the sunset, with an uninhibited smile and a vibrant demeanor!

  ……

  This child is really extraordinary! Nie Yuanshan couldn't help but exclaim in his heart, shocked by the radiant Ji Changkong at this moment. He felt that this moment's Ji Changkong should be the real Ji Changkong!

  After being dazed for a while, Nie Yuanshan's expression turned cold again, and he said to Ji Yuxing in a detached tone: "It's too late, I still need to hurry back to report to Rouran. I won't be having dinner at the Ji residence today." Without waiting for Ji Yuxing to persuade him, he left with Shao Kang towards the direction of Qingyan City.

  Ji Yu Xing was just about to open his mouth to persuade them to stay, but found that Nie Yuan Shan and Shao Kang had already walked out several zhangs, standing there in a daze, somewhat at a loss.

  The results of the trial still need to be announced, and many things need to be arranged by him personally. Seeing that Nie Yuanshan really didn't mean to have dinner at the Ji's house, Ji Yuxing could only give up. So Ji Yuxing stopped chasing after him and busied himself with taking roll call of the disciples who took part in today's trial, and tomorrow they would go to the Scripture Pavilion in batches to choose their own Tian Shi secret techniques and skills.

  ……

  "Old master, can't Ji Changkong really gather his yuan power?" Shao Kang suddenly asked on the way back.

  "Have you had the idea of accepting him as an apprentice?" Nie Yuanshan sighed and looked at Housekeeper Shao Kang deeply, saying: "This child Zhang Kong has a special status, it's better for you to dispel this thought early. Besides, Zhang Kong is already 17 years old and still can't gather his yuan power, which is enough to show that he can't become a Tian Shi, so don't think about it anymore."

  "This child has great wisdom and perseverance, a talent that I have rarely seen in my life! Alas, unfortunately, he can't gather his vital energy, what a pity for such a good seedling..." Shao Kang also shook his head and sighed, and on the way back to Qingyan Castle, he would occasionally turn his head to look at the top of Qingyan Mountain.

  Just now on the top of Qingyan Mountain, under the sky of red glow, that boy who swung his hand with force, in an instant, burst out with a free and easy demeanor, leaving an indelible deep impression in Shao Kang's heart!

  ……