I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors? Chapter 627 Ji Jiuwu Returns Home
Previously on I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors?...
As dawn broke, the first beam of sunlight glided over the ground, infusing a gentle warmth into all creatures.
Upon the walls of the Long River Tribe's city, the patrolling guards were on the verge of swinging the gates open when they abruptly noticed a youth in cultivation right below the wall. Their faces twisted in shock at once.
To the soldiers, darkness hid deadly dangers. Lingering outside the city through the night could lead to being devoured by a demonic beast or an odd entity, or worse, having one's form seized by such a creature.
He yelled out in haste, "Hey, there's a person under the city wall!"
This urgent call quickly roused the nearby comrades. They clustered around the shouting soldier and peered where he pointed. Once they made out the figure, one among them remarked, "That youth resembles Ji Jiuwu, the one who vanished three years back. I recall his father hunted for him endlessly. Given how he looks now, might a demon have taken him over?"
"Hurry... fetch the Priest at once, to check if this boy has fallen to demonic possession," the City Guard Captain barked urgently.
Soon after, a Priest emerged on the city tower, clutching a banner for repelling demons. Spotting Ji Jiuwu below the wall and feeling the energy radiating from him, the Priest let out a cold huff.
"Hmph! You fools, how could Jiuwu possibly be under demonic control? The True Qi flowing from him matches that of a Celestial Human perfectly. Though his level hasn't hit the Celestial Human Realm yet, emitting True Qi proves he's free of possession—demons dread True Qi as their dire foe."
Hearing this, the faces of those gathered shifted in stunned surprise. True Qi marked the exclusive sign of Celestial Humans, yet none could grasp how Ji Jiuwu managed to harness it without entering that realm.
The Priest easily read the confusion in these men's minds. With a grin, he declared, "If you're curious, why not join me in asking Jiuwu himself? Come on."
With a flick of his hand, the Priest unlatched the city gate and guided the group beyond the walls. Backed by the Priest, a mighty figure in the Spirit Condensation Realm, no one feared Ji Jiuwu might lash out suddenly.
Before the party drew near, Ji Jiuwu gradually lifted his eyelids. Catching sight of the Priest at the front, he rose swiftly and bowed deeply, stating, "Jiuwu greets Grandpa Jiu."
"Ah."
Noting Ji Jiuwu's courteous demeanor, the Priest felt a surge of satisfaction and teased lightly, "Grandpa Jiu, eh? Kid, after three years away from home and now back, you've turned into quite the refined fellow."
Ji Jiuwu grinned and replied, "I won't keep it from Grandpa Jiu. On this journey out, I beheld a heavenly spectacle unfolding. Through sheer fortune, I took on a master who was an immortal. Not only did I grasp ways of cultivation, but also proper manners."
"Well done, well done."
The Priest brushed past the mention of 'immortal' without a thought and kept commending him, "You've seized a fine chance on this outing; that's worth celebrating indeed!"
"Grandpa Jiu overpraises me; Jiuwu just got fortunate."
Ji Jiuwu rubbed his head sheepishly. "Grandpa Jiu, how fare my grandfather and the family at home?"
At this, the Priest's brow creased faintly as he answered, "Jiuwu, your grandfather remains well. But your father's branch has run into minor issues. You'll learn the details upon returning; Grandpa Jiu won't elaborate further."
"What?"
Ji Jiuwu's face paled in alarm at the news. He hadn't foreseen troubles brewing at his own household. After all, his father held power at the Spirit Condensation Realm; any difficulty for him spelled serious peril.
"Grandpa Jiu, I'll rush home now and come see you soon."
"Mm, off you go."
The Priest made no effort to detain him, nor did he press for details on Ji Jiuwu's external fortunes. To him, as a direct heir of the Ji family, Ji Jiuwu could pursue whatever path he chose, provided it didn't involve demons or threaten the tribe.
Once the soldiers saw Ji Jiuwu depart, regret flickered across their features. They had hoped to uncover how he wielded True Qi short of the Celestial Human Realm.
The Priest picked up on the soldiers' curiosity without delay. In a sharp tone, he cautioned, "Not a word of today's happenings leaves your lips. Should this Priest hear you've been blabbing, I'll toss your whole kin to the River God."
"We heed the Priest's order."
The soldiers chorused together.
The head captain inquired, "Grandpa Jiu, shall we hold off reporting this to the clan?"
The Priest replied, "Soon, you'll escort this old one to the Clan Chief and High Priest. We'll relay the news and leave the choice to them."
"Got it."
The captain acknowledged, then trailed the Priest toward the Stone Mansion of the Clan Chief.
Meanwhile, Ji Jiuwu hurried back home with worry gnawing at him. He strode down the lengthy street, where the dwellings flanking the path shifted from mud huts to sturdy stone ones. Shortly, he halted before a walled stone mansion.
Approaching, he rapped softly on the entrance. Moments passed before the door creaked open from within. A lean middle-aged man in rough hemp garb questioned, "Who might you be?"
Recognizing the man, Ji Jiuwu beamed and said, "Ape Uncle, it's me, Jiuwu."
The mention of 'Jiuwu' lit the middle-aged man's face with joy. After a close look, he bellowed, "Young Master Jiuwu, you've come back at last! The Master has dispatched searchers after you these three years. Where on earth did you go?"
"This isn't the spot for such talk. I'll fill Father in once I'm inside," Ji Jiuwu responded calmly.
"Forgive this old servant's oversight. Young Master, come in right away."
Observing Ji Jiuwu's transformation, Ape Uncle realized certain matters were beyond his probing.
Soon, a crowd filled the courtyard. At their head stood a towering, robust man with dark skin. A wolf fang dangled from his neck, lending him a savage air.
Next to the man was a woman of wheat-toned skin and striking beauty in her middle years. The instant her eyes fell on Ji Jiuwu, she wailed, "Jiuwu, my boy, you're home safe!"
As the woman lunged toward Ji Jiuwu, the man beside her held her back. His gaze bored into Ji Jiuwu, as though seeking to pierce his very soul.
"Jiuwu honors Father and Mother," Ji Jiuwu declared, bowing first.
The middle-aged man held his guard firm, unmoved by Ji Jiuwu's newfound poise. He even swept his Divine Sense over the youth. Though the boy mirrored his son's appearance, the shifts in him were profound.
The old Ji Jiuwu had been a rowdy scamp with bronzed skin. Now, this version bore pale complexion, elegant poise, and the bearing of a Great Witch, stirring caution in the father.
"Husband, what's the matter?" The woman demanded irritably, noting her husband's silence. Her son was back—why act so standoffish?
With that, the middle-aged man queried coolly, "Are you truly Jiuwu?"
Ji Jiuwu found himself at a loss for words. This marked the second such grilling today. Scanning the surroundings, he affirmed, "Father, your son is indeed Jiuwu. Yet some things aren't fit to discuss here."
Ji’s father intoned gravely, "Then follow me to meet your grandfather."
"Alright."
Ji Jiuwu agreed without hesitation; seeing his grandfather had been his intent anyway.
"Husband, Jiuwu just got back—can't he rest a bit?" The woman pleaded, her heart aching.
Ji’s father countered, "Wife, we can't postpone this. You wouldn't want more woes for Heng’er, would you?"
The woman's face fell at the words. She shot a look at Ji Jiuwu, then averted her eyes.
Ji Jiuwu lost his composure and pressed urgently, "What befell Big Brother?"
Ji’s father stated, "I'll explain en route. Let's move."
"Yes."
Ji Jiuwu assented, then accompanied his father from the home, bound for the city's heart.
Dawn still lingered, with few people about. Ji Jiuwu asked worriedly, "Father, you haven't said what precisely happened to Big Brother."
Noting the genuine worry in Ji Jiuwu's gaze, Ji’s father finally revealed, "Your brother took a grave wound a month past. His life endured, but he lies unconscious and can't join the Clan Grand Competition in seven days."
"How did the injury occur, and what does the Witch Doctor say?" Ji Jiuwu brushed aside the Clan Grand Competition his father noted, fixating solely on his brother's plight.
These words let Ji’s father verify the youth was truly his son, Ji Jiuwu—only the authentic one would fret so over his elder sibling. Still, in this altered form, he required the Clan Chief and High Priest's approval to remain in the tribe.
Ji’s father remarked evenly, "Jiuwu, once we're back, I'll bring you to see your brother."
"Mm."
Ji Jiuwu nodded and instinctively hastened his steps. Soon, father and son reached the City Lord's Mansion...
Dear Readers,
I have an important favor to ask of you today. If you’ve been enjoying the story, please consider switching to Patreon to support me directly.
By joining, you will instantly unlock 20 chapters and gain access to a total of 50 to 55 chapters every month.
To be honest with you, I am currently in deep financial trouble, and your support would mean the world to me during this difficult time. Furthermore, if I can get more members, I plan to add even more new fanfics by the end of this week!
Please consider supporting me on Patreon so I can continue creating content for you.
Thank you for your help
/Alex_Cruise