The Dynasty of Cultivating Immortality

C13 – The Return of the Patriarch

A month had flown by in the blink of an eye.

Ever since the confrontation between Ni Situo and Ni Huibo, the latter’s name had become a frequent topic among the Ni family members. Ni Situo was renowned for his soul cultivation talent, a standout in the Ni family’s younger generation. Yet, Ni Huibo managed to hold his ground, undefeated after numerous exchanges with Ni Situo, leaving the family in astonishment.

It was common knowledge that due to the edict set by the family patriarch, Ni Huibo had been barred from practicing soul cultivation from a young age. But now, against all odds, he possessed impressive cultivation skills! And at just sixteen, Ni Huibo was two years Ni Situo’s junior. One could only imagine that by the time he turned eighteen, his cultivation level might surpass that of Ni Situo.

Truly, he was the heir to the Ni family’s once-celebrated genius!

Most were elated by this turn of events. Their joy stemmed not from petty reasons but from Ni Situo’s less-than-stellar reputation among his peers. His arrogance and conceit, bolstered by his father’s status as the patriarch, often led him to lord over the others. With Ni Huibo now emerging as a formidable challenger to Ni Situo, the family felt a sense of immense satisfaction. They preferred the prospect of admiring Ni Huibo over being subjugated by Ni Situo.

Ni Situo couldn’t escape the whispers of the Ni family, which only added to his growing frustration. He was well aware of the murmurs that he couldn’t measure up to Ni Huibo. Were it not for the family’s strict rules and his respect for his aunt, he would have forced Ni Huibo to kneel and beg for mercy. He had no intention of allowing him to outshine so brightly.

But no matter, his father was due to return soon. Once his father, the patriarch, arrived, Ni Situo was determined to ensure Ni Huibo faced dire consequences.

“Young Master, the Patriarch has returned,” Ni Situo’s attendant reported promptly upon receiving the news.

Ni Situo’s mood had been unpredictable lately. Just yesterday, he berated his attendant over tea that was served too hot. The servants simmered with resentment but kept silent, suspecting that Ni Huibo was the root of their young master’s erratic behavior. How had that so-called waste dared to stand up to Ni Situo?

The servants’ discontent with Ni Situo quickly transferred to Ni Huibo. They were all eager for Ni Xianjian to severely discipline Ni Huibo upon his return. They believed that only then would Ni Situo feel vindicated, and their own lives would improve.

“Alright, you may leave now!” Ni Situo said, his fists clenched in anticipation as he rose to make his way to the main hall.

In the hall, Ni Xianjian, who was usually stern, now wore a look of joy, clearly indicating that good news had arrived.

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The Chief Elder, ever the impatient one despite his fifty-plus years, was like an excited child. He eagerly pressed Ni Xianjian, “Patriarch, what are the results of the children’s Leap Test? Please, share with us quickly!”

“Seeing the Patriarch’s beaming smile should give you a hint. But at least offer him a drink of water first,” the second elder teased, watching the Chief Elder with amusement.

“Ni Yirong has a fifth-stage medium grade talent, the highest among the three. Ni Shang possesses a second-stage medium grade talent, and Ni Yong has a third-stage,” Ni Xianjian announced. He then fixed his gaze on the three young people before him, adding, “Remember, your soul cultivation talent is merely a starting point. The heights you can reach will depend on your perseverance and effort. Do not become complacent.” His tone was firm and serious.

The three bowed their heads in acknowledgment, replying in unison, “Yes, we will take your words to heart.”

Once the children had departed, the Chief Elder burst into hearty laughter. “Who would have thought that all three Ni family children would possess medium grade talents! This puts my mind at ease!”

The rest of the Ni family joined in the laughter, sharing in the joy.

In Mightcairn City, having a fifth-stage medium grade talent was quite impressive, a rarity even among the other two families.

And the Ni family boasted not just one, but also individuals with second and third-stage medium grade talents!

No longer did they have to fear for the Ni family’s resurgence.

A celebratory mood filled the Ni family hall.

After the festivities, Ni Xianjian stood and gestured towards a man in his thirties with short hair, who was strikingly handsome.

Everyone followed Ni Xianjian’s gaze to the newcomer. Ni Xianjian introduced him, saying, “This is a dear friend of mine, Teng Junlu, whom I’ve known for many years. Junlu is the examiner sent from the capital to oversee the Leap Test. The young lady beside him is Junlu’s daughter, and you might say she’s like a niece to me. You can call her Feimei. Feimei is now a disciple of Xue Gui! Her potential is truly boundless!”

The Ni family members were astonished to learn that Teng Junlu was the chief examiner for the Leap Test in Mightcairn. Their surprise only deepened upon discovering that Teng Feimei was a disciple of the prime minister. Could this young girl truly be the disciple of the prime minister of the entire Croburg Kingdom?

​The youth in the council hall all turned to gaze at Teng Feimei, unable to take their eyes off her.

The girl appeared to be about fifteen or sixteen, exuding a fresh elegance and extreme charm.

The Ni family’s disciples watched her intently, amazed that someone so young was already a disciple of the renowned prime minister. It was clear that her future achievements would be remarkable, and to add to that, she was incredibly beautiful.

How could such a perfect girl exist?

Ni Xianjian caught Ni Situo’s attention from the corner of the hall and gestured to him meaningfully, “Ni Situo, Feimei is new to Mightcairn. Make sure you take good care of her and don’t let her feel neglected.”

In truth, Ni Xianjian’s eyes had been drawn to her the moment she entered, and he had scarcely looked away since.

She was undeniably beautiful, her looks unparalleled among the young generation of Mightcairn. And with her prestigious identity, if Ni Situo could win her favor, his future would be set.

With this in mind, Ni Situo’s thoughts sprang to life. He set aside the issue he had planned to discuss and said with a smile, “Feimei has traveled a long way. I’ll make sure she’s well looked after. If she needs anything, she need only ask.”

Teng Feimei responded with a polite smile, “Thank you.”

Ni Xianjian gave a subtle nod of approval, then addressed the assembly, “Well then, if there’s nothing else, you’re dismissed.”

After the meeting, the elders led the younger members out of the hall, leaving only Ni Xianjian, Ni Situo, Teng Junlu, and Teng Feimei behind.

“Xianjian, your son must be eighteen now, right? His soul cultivation skills are quite impressive among his peers,” Teng Junlu remarked, eyeing Ni Situo.

Ni Xianjian responded with a smile, “Junlu, Situo is indeed two years older than Feimei. However, when it comes to soul cultivation talent, he still falls short of her. Feimei’s talent is a top grade fifth level, and she’s already in the middle period of the second level. Her progress is incredibly fast!”

Ni Situo bristled at this. The three participants in the Leap Test all had superior cultivation talents compared to his, which was disheartening. Moreover, the recent family discussions about Ni Huibo had only added to his frustration. Now, with Teng Feimei outshining him, he thought that if he could win her over, all her accomplishments would become his.

“Don’t give Feimei too much praise, Xianjian; it might make her conceited. Our Ni family’s youth are exceptionally talented this year. The three candidates in the Leap Test have remarkable abilities. They’re sure to become the mainstays of our clan,” Teng Junlu said, glancing at his usually playful daughter with a sense of resignation.

They caught up with each other until it was time for dinner.

After the meal, Ni Xianjian summoned Ni Situo to his room. He had noticed during the meeting that Situo seemed eager to speak but held back. Now was the perfect time to hear what his son had to report about the recent significant events in the family.

Ni Situo hurried to his father’s room.

After bowing to his father, Ni Situo spoke with a tinge of irritation, “Father, while you were away, several major incidents occurred within the family, all involving Ni Huibo. The first incident was the theft of treasures from the City Hall. The thief had been hiding out in our family’s estate and was injured and robbed of the treasures by Ni Huibo. Initially, I was skeptical; you had strictly forbidden the family from providing Ni Huibo with any soul cultivation resources, leading everyone to believe he was just an ordinary person. But a month ago, I sparred with Ni Huibo and found his cultivation to be quite advanced. He managed to hold his own against me for over ten exchanges without sustaining a scratch.”

After speaking, Ni Situo quickly concealed his expression, wary that Ni Xianjian might perceive his intentions.

Ni Xianjian was tapping the table with one hand while gripping the other so tightly that his nails left deep indentations in his palm, though he was oblivious to it. With a furrowed brow, he said, “What other significant matters are there? Tell me everything.”

Ni Situo was pleased with Ni Xianjian’s response and went on, “Father, the second issue is that Ni Huibo possesses an authentic work by the prime minister! Moreover, he audaciously stamped his personal seal on the calligraphy. Ji Fanwei and I discovered this and delivered the artwork to the City Hall. Subsequently, the mayor summoned Ni Huibo. For some reason, the mayor didn’t fault Ni Huibo for defacing the prime minister’s original work and even provided him with soul cultivation texts. I suspect Ni Huibo may have offered something detrimental to the Ni family in exchange for his release. Father, why don’t we seize Ni Huibo tonight, strip him of his cultivation, and thoroughly interrogate him?”

“There’s no rush,” Ni Xianjian replied, his frown deepening due to his concerns about Ni Huibo and his dissatisfaction with Ni Situo’s attitude.

Ni Xianjian, as Ni Situo’s father, had long recognized his son’s strong utilitarian and envious nature. Ni Situo struggled to accept anyone being superior to him. Without proper guidance, Ni Situo was bound to stray. Ni Xianjian had left him in charge of the Ni family’s affairs as a test, but it appeared the results were not promising.

After some contemplation, Ni Xianjian advised:

“Situo, today in the council hall, while conversing with Junlu, I noticed your demeanor. Ni Huibo and Ni Yirong are your kin. Their talent for cultivation is commendable, and you should be pleased. They are the future pillars of our family. If you believe the family’s prosperity rests solely on your shoulders, you are gravely mistaken.

“There are many in this world with greater cultivation talents than you. If you think talent alone dictates one’s life, how can you aspire to transcendence? Even with the prime minister’s exceptional talent, without humility, he would not have achieved his current status. Remember, talent for cultivation merely sets the baseline; it is diligence that defines the pinnacle. It’s commendable to seek improvement, but take care not to lose your way.”

“Don’t get involved with Ni Huibo’s affairs. You may leave now.”

Ni Situo was taken aback by Ni Xianjian’s words. For a moment, he was at a loss. Had he made a mistake? Hadn’t his father forbidden Ni Huibo from pursuing soul cultivation? He had strived to advance, yet in his father’s eyes, was he on the wrong path?

“Leave now,” Ni Xianjian instructed, supporting his forehead with his left hand and dismissively gesturing with his right.

“Yes, Father.” Despite his frustration, Ni Situo dared not contradict him. With no choice but to comply, he quietly withdrew.