Beast Taming Clan: I Have a Jade Book Chapter 1082 - 762: Three Spirit Roots and Celestial Spirit Root
Previously on Beast Taming Clan: I Have a Jade Book...
At the summit of Celestial Shadow Peak, within Ye Jingcheng’s cave residence.
A figure alighted before the courtyard; it was Ye Jingcheng, returning from his sojourn at the oasis. A wave of delight and eager expectation surged through him upon seeing his home, his cave and courtyard. After all, he was no longer the solitary individual he once was, for he now possessed a wife and children. His waking thoughts and nighttime yearnings were centered entirely around this newfound happiness.
He prepared to dispatch a Spirit Talisman, but unexpectedly, just as the talisman was about to be sent, a young boy and girl joyfully pushed open the courtyard gate.
"Welcome home, Father!" Two sweet voices chimed in unison. With three radiant smiles gracing their faces, Ye Jingcheng's own smile widened immeasurably.
The two children had been patiently waiting just outside the courtyard gate. Chu Yanqing, knowing Ye Jingcheng’s preference for announcing his arrival via Spirit Talisman, had orchestrated a delightful surprise for him.
"Yanqing, Feng’er, Nian’er!" Ye Jingcheng stepped forward, his arms enveloping Chu Yanqing. She met his gaze with a gentle blink of her spiritual eyes, her delicate brows slightly raised, her nose refined, and her lips, a vibrant red contrasting with her white teeth.
Her lustrous black hair cascaded over her shoulders, accentuating her skin, which resembled polished white jade. Her fair complexion and serene expression were captivating, and Ye Jingcheng found himself irresistibly drawing Chu Yanqing closer into his embrace.
"You must have worked hard!"
After a lingering moment, sensing Chu Yanqing’s subtle shift, Ye Jingcheng released her. His attention then turned to Ye Qingnian and Ye Qingfeng. Both were now nine years old, their features refined. Their noses and mouths bore a resemblance to Chu Yanqing, while their brows and eyes mirrored his own.
At this instant, both children wore slight pouts, evidently displeased that their father’s embrace was reserved solely for their mother. "Let’s eat; lunch is ready!" Chu Yanqing announced promptly.
Behind her, a stone table was already laden with a feast, featuring both Spiritual Cuisine and ordinary dishes. As Qingnian and Qingfeng were still mortals, having not yet commenced their cultivation journey, they could only partake in regular ingredients or Spiritual Cuisine imbued with mild spiritual energy.
Beside the table stood an apricot tree. It was currently in full bloom, its branches adorned with a profusion of white apricot blossoms, resplendent like the snow atop the mountaintop. Clustered densely, they presented a scene of pure exuberance.
"This year, we can harvest the Spiritual Almonds together as a family!" Chu Yanqing added with a smile, noticing Ye Jingcheng’s admiring gaze. They had always intended to pick Spiritual Almonds collectively, but cultivators often found themselves in seclusion. Ye Jingcheng’s extended stays at the Celestial Departure Grassland over the years had made this impossible.
"Yay!" Ye Qingfeng exclaimed with immediate delight; the young girl clearly anticipated the joy of picking and tasting.
Only Ye Qingnian responded with a soft murmur. "What’s so great about picking Spiritual Almonds? Contracting a Golden Giant Lizard in Dragon Valley would be far more thrilling!"
"You two should not set your sights too high!" Chu Yanqing cautioned them repeatedly, observing their conversation. She and Ye Jingcheng harbored a slight concern that the esteemed status of the Ye Family might lead Ye Qingnian and Ye Qingfeng to develop arrogance and overly ambitious aspirations, a prospect they sincerely wished to avoid.
Witnessing Chu Yanqing's gentle admonishment, Ye Jingcheng felt a twinge of guilt, acknowledging that Chu Yanqing had diligently managed their household responsibilities all these years. "I've brought gifts for all of you," Ye Jingcheng declared, shifting the topic.
He first presented Chu Yanqing with Spirit Pills. These were Water Attribute Black Water Pills, each emanating a spiritual fragrance, and a few even bore Pill Patterns. In addition to the Black Water Pills, there were mid-stage Third Tier Water Spirit Beads. Water Spirit Beads were known to alleviate Erysipelas, and when combined with the Black Water Pills, Chu Yanqing’s breakthrough to the late stage of Purple Mansion was undoubtedly imminent!
Although Chu Yanqing possessed a Spirit Body, she had experienced some blood and Qi damage due to pregnancy and childbirth, which had slightly impeded her cultivation progress. "Thank you, Brother Cheng!" Chu Yanqing expressed, her heart brimming with joy, as her cultivation indeed lagged somewhat behind.
Following this, Ye Jingcheng produced two Spirit Beast Bags. From one, he revealed a cub of the Long-eared Red Rabbit, while the other contained a cub of the Blood Jade Lion. Neither Spirit Beast was exceptionally powerful; upon reaching maturity, they could only attain Tier One Peak, and even with further advancement, they would merely become Tier Two Demon Beasts.
However, for Ye Jingcheng, these were instrumental in nurturing his children's burgeoning interest in Spirit Beasts. "Thank you, Father!" Upon seeing the Blood Jade Lion cub, Ye Qingnian's eyes widened instantly. Though the lion cub was no larger than a small dog, it already exuded an aura of majesty, letting out a tiny roar that revealed its minuscule baby teeth. He eagerly lunged forward to embrace it, reluctant to let go.
Although Ye Qingfeng wasn't deeply interested, the sight of the Red Rabbit's beauty prompted her to reach out and stroke its fur. Feeling its warmth, she exclaimed in wonder:
"This rabbit feels so warm!"
"Thank you, Father!"
Upon hearing this, Ye Qingnian swiftly touched the Blood Jade Lion, but finding it not warm, he felt a pang of disappointment. He then turned to touch Ye Qingfeng’s Red Rabbit.
"I’ve seen Cousin Yunxi’s family’s Spirit Beast Jade Talisman; your Red Rabbit isn't impressive at all!" Ye Qingnian remarked dismissively.
"But it’s very pretty!" Ye Qingfeng retorted, unconcerned with its combat prowess.
Observing the two children bickering, Ye Jingcheng let out a light chuckle.
"You two shouldn't just see this as fun; these are your Spirit Beasts. As members of the Ye Family, you must learn Beast Breeding from a young age so that in the future, you can excel in Beast Taming!"
"Your mother and I will conduct an inspection every three months!" Ye Jingcheng stated with seriousness.
Ye Qingnian immediately thumped his chest in a gesture of agreement, while Ye Qingfeng nodded with resigned acceptance.
Unable to utilize Storage Bags or Spirit Beast Bags, they were compelled to conceal their respective Spirit Beasts within their rooms.
They even exchanged warnings, forbidding each other from sneakily touching them.
Ye Jingcheng and Chu Yanqing watched their children bustle about and caution one another, before taking their seats at the table with smiles.
Shortly thereafter, Qingnian and Qingfeng joined them at the table, and the four commenced their lunch.
The meal was simple, yet Ye Jingcheng's mind was occupied with profound thoughts. Previously, he could dine in such a manner after Ye Haiyun had imparted Alchemy Skill to him, and had even tested Ye Jingcheng’s Alchemy Skill. But now, no one would subject his Alchemy Skill to testing anymore.
Lost in contemplation, he attentively served dishes to the three.
Though brief, the lunch left Ye Jingcheng feeling exceptionally relaxed and at ease.
This was the solace found in returning to one's family, and also the profound relief of having surpassed the Ye Family’s Demon Emperor prophecy.
"It's time to test their Spirit Roots!" Chu Yanqing announced after the meal was concluded.
"Hmm, very well!" Ye Jingcheng replied.
However, observing Chu Yanqing's eyes and demeanor, he suspected she might have already performed the test. After all, she had worried alongside him when both children were just newborns.
Ye Jingcheng chose not to expose this suspicion, instead feeling a wave of relief. This implied that Ye Qingfeng and Ye Qingnian likely possessed Spirit Roots. Otherwise, even with the Longevity Spiritual Peach in his possession, it would be utterly useless for ordinary mortals.
Facing such a scenario, Ye Jingcheng wasn't sure how he would cope.
The two children grew visibly nervous upon hearing about the Spirit Root testing.
Over the years, they had interacted extensively with Ye Yunxi and had acquired considerable knowledge.
As Ye Jingcheng produced the Spirit Testing Disc, Ye Qingnian, feeling a surge of nervousness, grasped his hand. Yet, when Ye Jingcheng inquired who would go first, Ye Qingnian mustered his courage and volunteered.
According to his own words, as the elder brother, he had to bear the responsibility!
The Spirit Testing Disc Ye Jingcheng presented was remarkably precise; acquiring such an item in the Eastern Domain alone would cost nearly a thousand Spirit Stones.
The moment Ye Qingnian placed his hand upon it, a stream of Spiritual Light surged into his body.
In the subsequent moment, a magnificent tricolored Spiritual Light erupted, shining brilliantly.
Furthermore, each color of Spiritual Light extended to about a meter in height, a spectacle that could not help but bring joy to Ye Jingcheng.
Conversely, Ye Qingnian's countenance fell slightly.
"Only Three Spirit Roots!" Ye Qingnian lamented, naturally disheartened. He was well aware of the existence of Celestial Spirit Roots, Dual Spirit Roots, and Abnormal Spirit Roots.
"Qingnian, your talent is quite exceptional. Your father only possesses Four Spirit Roots, and most importantly, your Spiritual Root Affinity is very high. This signifies that your talent in cultivating Water Techniques, Earth Techniques, and Fire Techniques will be formidable!" Ye Jingcheng reassured him earnestly.
This was not merely a comforting statement but an honest appraisal. In the Cultivation Realm, many individuals placed excessive emphasis on the number of Spirit Roots, believing fewer roots led to easier breakthroughs. However, Spiritual Root Affinity plays an equally crucial role. With high affinity, even individuals with Five Spirit Roots would not necessarily experience slow progress in their breakthroughs.
Yet, due to the inherent difficulty in increasing affinity with a greater number of Spirit Roots, a prevailing belief emerged that those with Five Spirit Roots lacked talent.
However, in reality, even individuals with Five Spirit Roots exhibit variations.
Consider Ye Jingteng, for instance. Despite possessing Dual Spirit Roots, his Spiritual Root Affinity was not particularly strong, leading to a rather unremarkable beginning in the Taiyi Sect!
The Spiritual Root Affinity possessed by Ye Qingnian was undeniably among the very best within the Ye Family. Furthermore, an additional Secret Technique, which Ye Jingcheng had not yet divulged, was the Spiritual Replenishment Method.
Ye Qingnian was, without question, exceptionally suited for the Spiritual Replenishment Method as well.
"Brother Cheng, such a high affinity could very well signify a hidden Spirit Body!" Chu Yanqing interjected from the side.
Having a hidden Spirit Body herself, she had gained considerable experience in this area.
Upon hearing this, Ye Qingnian's excitement surged once more.
Ye Jingcheng offered a nod of agreement to this observation.
After all, Ye Qingnian's Spiritual Root Affinity was truly remarkable.
"Do not become overly proud. Within the Ye Family, even individuals possessing Five Spirit Roots harbor aspirations of breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage, while those with a Celestial Spirit Root might not even achieve Foundation Establishment!" Ye Jingcheng stated, employing a slight exaggeration in his admonishment.
Following this, Ye Qingnian pursed his lips and gently nudged Ye Qingfeng forward.
As Ye Qingfeng placed her hand upon the Spirit Testing Disc, a radiant flame instantaneously illuminated the entire courtyard.
The flame ascended to a height of approximately one meter.
However, due to its singular bright red hue, it presented a particularly dazzling spectacle.
"A Celestial Spirit Root!" Ye Jingcheng exclaimed, taken aback.
Immediately thereafter, his countenance radiated ecstasy.
He had never dared to anticipate that he would father a daughter possessing a Celestial Spirit Root, and one with such potent affinity at that.
This was unequivocally an innate Pill Master and Artifact Refiner!
"Excellent, excellent, excellent!" Ye Jingcheng could scarcely contain his elation.
In that precise moment, he began to grasp the expressions of the family elders whenever they regarded him.
Their gazes clearly conveyed immense pride and profound joy.
"Brother Cheng, at the forthcoming Immortal Ascension Conference, might it be prudent to advise Nian'er and Feng'er to maintain a modicum of low-key behavior?" Chu Yanqing inquired with a flicker of concern.
"There is no necessity for that!" Ye Jingcheng replied, comprehending Chu Yanqing's apprehension. However, within this Desert Sea, the Ye Family now reigned supreme.
There was no requirement for such excessive restraint; on the contrary, by prominently displaying the family's profound foundation, the other families of the Desert Sea would undoubtedly regard the Ye Family with considerable awe.
Moreover, for the sustained future development of the Ye Family, it was an unavoidable progression to incorporate a multitude of clan members who did not share direct Ye Family blood.
To secure their unwavering loyalty, it could not solely depend on the covert Beast Communication Patterns; a tangible display of superiority in Spirit Roots and Spirit Bodies was also imperative.
Furthermore, the existing members of the Ye Family would benefit from more positive developmental stimuli.
This, indeed, represented the true era of intense competition for the Ye Family!
At this juncture, Ye Jingcheng could not help but vividly envision the ten preeminent talents of the Ye Family.
Owing to the continuous augmentation of clan cultivators, the previously recognized seven outstanding talents had now expanded to encompass ten exceptional individuals.
This group included cultivators at both the Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment stages; previously, individuals with Dual Spirit Roots at the Ninth Layer of Qi Refining, even in their thirties, stood a reasonable chance. Presently, it appeared that even those in their early twenties at the Ninth Layer of Qi Refining might not possess a guaranteed path to advancement.
"Hmm, Brother Cheng, I shall defer to your judgment!" Chu Yanqing affirmed with a nod.
She, too, was immensely pleased with the innate talents of their two children.
Naturally, after voicing her agreement, her gaze once again fell upon the two youngsters:
"Nian’er, Feng’er, although you possess considerable talent, your generation is far from insignificant. You must, therefore, maintain unwavering humility. In the future, when you commence your studies within the Clan Academy, you are expected to show deference to your fellow clan members. Should I discover that the two of you have become arrogant due to your exceptional talents and have resorted to bullying other clan members, your Mother will assuredly impose severe punishment upon you!"
Currently, the generational lineage had advanced to the Yun Generation, and indeed, there were a substantial number of individuals who would subsequently address Ye Qingnian and Ye Qingfeng as 'uncle' and 'aunt'.
Upon hearing these stern words, the two children nodded vigorously in unison.
Their eyes, fixed upon Chu Yanqing, conveyed a palpable sense of apprehension, indicating that over the intervening years, Chu Yanqing had diligently focused not only on her cultivation but also on the proper upbringing of her two offspring.
Witnessing this, Ye Jingcheng felt a profound sense of relief. In truth, his own attention had been more keenly directed towards matters of the clan, and at times, he had inadvertently neglected his own children and wife.
However, Chu Yanqing, having received an excellent upbringing within the Chu Family, possessed an impeccable perspective on overall affairs, a quality for which he was deeply grateful.
Otherwise, had she been an ordinary female cultivator from the Loose Cultivator ranks, it was highly probable that she would have indulged her two exceptionally talented children with excessive leniency.