I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors? Chapter 630 Ji Jiuwu: Am I Being Treated as a Pushover?
Previously on I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors?...
Due to the deliberate hush from the Chieftain and the Great Shaman, Ji Jiuwu's homecoming failed to stir any disturbance across the Changhe Tribe. A large number of his fellow clansmen stayed oblivious to his arrival, as the upcoming family Grand Competition in just a few days captured everyone's primary focus.
Every ten years, the Ji family hosts its Grand Competition. On this occasion, it encompasses the whole tribe too, yet with the Ji family wielding total supremacy in the Changhe Tribe, each event inevitably turns into a fierce rivalry solely among the Ji family disciples.
Beyond crowning the top talent from the younger Ji generation, the Grand Competition elevates its victor as a prime contender for Young Chieftain. Moreover, the champion earns the privilege to train at the Water God Tribe.
To the Ji family's prodigies, this event offers not just a stage to showcase their prowess but also a pivotal moment to reshape their fates.
At dawn this morning, beyond the Changhe Tribe's city walls, a vast clearing had already been prepared with a fighting platform and viewing areas.
Accompanied by his father, elder brother, and several siblings, Ji Jiuwu headed to the training fields outside the city. Upon reaching the spot, they found it packed with crowds.
The youth set to join the Grand Competition clustered in small groups, chatting animatedly about the event.
"Who do you reckon will claim victory in this Grand Competition?"
"That's obvious. It'll be Ji Jinwu, no doubt. He's the favored pupil of the Great Shaman."
"Too bad Ji Qinheng's sidelined by injury; otherwise, those two might have clashed."
"Doesn't the Chieftain's line still boast Ji Baishuang? Rumors say her power has reached the Half-step Nurturing God stage, strong enough to challenge Ji Jinwu."
"..."
The murmurs from the onlookers left Ji Jiuwu unmoved. In contrast, Ji Qinheng at his side showed a flicker of dejection and stayed quiet throughout their journey.
Noticing his firstborn's low spirits, Ji Yuantao promptly encouraged him: "Heng, don't let this get you down. One slip-up doesn't doom your entire future."
"With true commitment to your training, you'll rise to become a Great Witch someday."
Ji Jiuwu, standing close by, added his support: "Exactly, Big Brother. My Master frequently reminds me that success on the cultivation path isn't ruled by talent or anything else as the key factor."
"What truly matters is the Dao Heart. With a steadfast Dao Heart, anyone can forge ahead on their unique journey."
These words prompted Ji Qinheng to ball his fist and reply: "Thanks to you both, Father and Brother, for the uplift. Once my wound mends, I'll pour myself into cultivation and demonstrate my true potential."
"Come on, then. For this Grand Competition, let's first observe what Ji Jiuwu has truly absorbed from the Martial God."
With that, Ji Yuantao guided his family to the viewing stands.
As the Chieftain's direct heir, his son enjoyed a seeded spot in the event. This spared him from the initial three days of qualifiers, allowing entry only in the final knockout phases.
In the Changhe Tribe's Grand Competition, reaching the top hundred secures a place in the City Guard, complete with allocated land and servants. The top twenty get chosen as apprentices by Priests or the Chieftain, and the leading three become pupils of the Great Shaman.
Before long, the family settled into the spectator area, awaiting the start. As the tribe's key figures trickled in, the Grand Competition at last kicked off.
The Ninth Priest took charge of officiating. He ascended into the sky, hovering above, and proclaimed: "This Priest now declares the launch of the Changhe Tribe's Grand Competition, held once every ten years..."
An hour passed, and then the Changhe Tribe's disciples began ascending the platform in turn for their bouts. In the past, Ji Jiuwu would have barely spared a glance at these opponents' fights.
But now, he observed each competitor who stepped up with intense focus.
Catching sight of this shift, Ji Qinheng nearby questioned: "Jiuwu, you've really transformed."
Ji Jiuwu grinned and responded: "Three years under my Master's guidance have altered me a lot. I'm hoping to pick up some valuable insights from watching these fellow clansmen."
"Oh?"
Ji Qinheng pressed: "So, after observing all this time, what conclusions have you drawn?"
Without holding back, Ji Jiuwu shared his insights with his elder brother. Ji Father and Ji Mother felt deeply pleased overhearing the brothers' exchange.
Their biggest fear had been that these two talented sons might someday turn rivals. Such conflicts weren't rare in the Changhe Tribe. Yet now, it appeared their concerns had been groundless.
After three days, one hundred ten youths had advanced through selections and were set to face off against the seeded picks endorsed by the Ji family's prominent members.
As the lot-drawing commenced, Ji Jiuwu rose from his place and informed his parents: "Father, Mother, I'll go draw my lots now."
"Off you go."
Ji Yuantao replied, smiling.
The instant Ji Jiuwu mounted the stage, a buzz of chatter swept through the training grounds.
"Quick, look— that's the frail Ji Jiuwu. Word is, this fellow got his seeded spot in the top ten only because his brother Ji Qinheng got hurt."
"So drawing Ji Jiuwu guarantees a top hundred finish?"
"You got it. Heavens, grant me, Quanya, the luck to pull Ji Jiuwu, that easy mark."
"..."
The whispers below made Ji Jiuwu chuckle inwardly. He, a proud follower of the Martial God, was being dismissed as an easy target.
Clearly, without revealing even a hint of his skills, his branch would suffer disdain.
The lot-drawing wrapped up shortly. Gazing at the "One" mark in his grasp, Ji Jiuwu mused: Grandfather and the Great Shaman must be eager to see my capabilities too.
"Now, the two youths who pulled the number one lot, step forward for your match."
Following the Ninth Priest's booming call, Ji Jiuwu made his unhurried way to the platform. Though his pace was steady, it drew eyes from all around.
From the throng under the stage, an excited shout rang out: "I got the number one lot. My fortune as Quanya is unbeatable!"
At those words, all attention shifted to the speaker.
He was a youth clad in gray wolf pelt, sporting a wolf fang necklace. Clutching a dark, gleaming axe, he bounded onto the platform with lively energy.
Ji Jiuwu eyed the fellow opposite him and remarked with a smile: "Drawing me has you this thrilled?"
As he spoke, Quanya rubbed his head sheepishly, forcing a grin: "Young Master Jiuwu, don't mind me. I simply never thought I'd get the chance to spar with you."
"Fine. If you're confident you can take me down, then unleash everything you've got. Just don't let me down too badly."
Ji Jiuwu folded his arms behind, gazing imperiously at the youth standing there.
Quanya declared: "Young Master Jiuwu, better draw your weapon soon. Wouldn't want my strike to harm you later. This axe came from a foreign tribe's Organ-Refining Warrior."
Hiss...
The crowd below, catching "Organ-Refining Warrior," now eyed Quanya with hints of jealousy. No surprise he cherished that axe so dearly.
Ji Jiuwu laughed lightly: "No need to fret over me. Should your strongest blow even graze my robe's edge, I'll concede the fight."
His statement barely landed before a massive stir exploded across the training grounds...
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