Chapter 54

Ji Youcai truly lived up to his name. This talented individual from the North Pole branch had transformed the entire courtyard into something akin to an ancient academy. At first glance, it was a vast complex of buildings, giving Hu Gao a sense of temporal disorientation.

Under Ji Kuai's lead, they walked through the courtyard. The buildings were layered and well-arranged, with various styles of pavilions and terraces dotted amidst the trees. The entire courtyard was centered around the head of the family's room, symmetrically distributed, with a layout that was both regular and square, exuding a refined and elegant atmosphere.

White strips hung from the eaves, adding a solemn air to the courtyard. Hu Gao was surprised to find that this world also valued purity.

However, Ji Kuai was not in mourning, and there was no concept of a seven-day period. After a short walk, they arrived at a quiet little courtyard, filled with various flowers and lush greenery, creating a unique ambiance.

"Ji Le, come out quickly! The brother Hu Gao you mentioned is here," Ji Kuai called out as they approached the door, his voice somewhat high-pitched, as if he hadn't yet gone through puberty.

The door creaked open, and Hu Gao saw Ji Le run out, his face full of excitement. "I knew you would come! I heard you won first place in the martial arts competition."

"It was just a bunch of incompetent people from other families. Not much to it," Hu Gao replied with a faint smile.

"That's true. Let me introduce you. This is my third brother, Ji Kuai."

"We already talked on the way here. I won't disturb you. I'll leave first," Ji Kuai waved his hand and left without further words.

"Why does your brother seem a bit strange?" Hu Gao squinted his eyes, feeling a bit uncomfortable. Without Xiao Wu by his side, he lacked the ability to sense things, so he could only ask Ji Le.

Ji Le's face changed, a hint of red appearing. He stammered, "I'm not entirely sure, but my brother seems to... like men..."

Ji Le couldn't continue, but Hu Gao immediately understood. He was shocked to find that men in this world also had such preferences. Indeed, the world was vast, and while there were many differences, human nature was fundamentally similar.

To comfort Ji Le, Hu Gao said, "It's quite normal. Don't worry about it. By the way, why is your family's architectural style so strange?"

"Our North Pole branch has always been like this. Those with strong combat talents in the family have particularly fierce personalities. To control their temper, they engage in refined activities to balance themselves. My grandfather, father, older brother, and second brother all have such personalities. Only my third brother and I haven't inherited this trait. I asked the elders about it, and they told me that because I haven't fully grown and practiced the Yuan Decision, the violent genes in my personality haven't fully manifested."

"I see. I didn't expect martial artists to have such peculiar personality flaws. What about you in the future..."

"Don't worry, I won't bully you!" Ji Le patted Hu Gao's shoulder. "Today, several elders from our branch have examined me. They are amazed that I have reached the Eighth Rank of the Condensation Shadow Realm. My older brother was only at the Seventh Rank at my age. This is all thanks to you."

"The key is that you have a solid foundation. No need to thank me. Have you learned the secret technique?"

"Yes, my older brother suggested I not practice the Fire Yuan Decision yet. He chose an Ice-based mixed secret technique for me, which can provide a richer attack sequence in combat. I was just trying to understand it before you came."

"An Ice-based secret technique? That's good. What level is it?" Hu Gao nodded. This was fine, as he would practice the Fire Yuan Decision himself, and the Ice-based control and slowing effects were useful in combat.

"It seems to be a partial Earth-level secret technique, which is quite top-tier," Ji Le said proudly.

"Alright, your North Pole branch is indeed generous. Unlike me, who hasn't learned a decent Yuan Decision yet." Hu Gao thought about how, as an heir, he hadn't received much support in terms of Yuan Decisions. But then he realized that he had concealed his cultivation level, so no one knew he could already practice Yuan Decisions.

"Hehe, you don't need any crazy Yuan Decisions! If you keep this up, I won't be able to keep up with you."

"That can't be. Now that you have an Earth-level Yuan Decision, I can't fall behind. I came to tell you that I will be leaving Ningcheng for a while."

"What? You're leaving Ningcheng?" Ji Le was taken aback, not understanding Hu Gao's intention.

"Yes, I'm going to the Longjia Mountains to practice." Hu Gao nodded firmly.

Ji Le stared at Hu Gao, wondering if he had pushed him too far. But seeing his determined look, he realized it was a well-thought-out decision. As a brother, he didn't want to dissuade him. "The Longjia Mountains are full of dangers, and they are swarming with adventurers. One wrong move, and you might not come back. If you're determined to go, you should inform the council."

"Of course, but I don't want them to send a bunch of people with me. That would defeat the purpose of the training." Hu Gao replied.

"Alright, I can't argue with you." Ji Le noticed the aura Hu Gao emitted while speaking, remembering how he always brought unexpected surprises. He wasn't worried anymore. "I'll wait for you in Ningcheng. Don't take too long. I heard Hu Wushuang is getting married to you in three months. You'll have to invite the brothers to the wedding."

Hu Gao was puzzled. He was supposed to duel Hu Wushuang in three months, not get married. This news was likely spread by the old fox, the clan leader, before going to the Qingyuan mine. What a strange old man...

"We'll see about that. Do you remember Wang Hu?"

"You mean the big fat guy from the War Academy?"

"Exactly. He was probably marked by the Guo family because of me. He's a good guy, so I asked someone to take care of him. You should also try to find him. He's a good drinking buddy."

"Sure, that guy is good. I understand what you mean." Ji Le wasn't stupid. He remembered what Hu Gao said in Tushan. This guy probably had a thing for Wang Hu and wanted to get closer to him.

"Alright, I'll leave now. I need to go to the War Academy and inform Instructor Yang."

"Okay, I'll see you out." Ji Le nodded.

"No need. I remember the way. You should focus on your practice."

"Are you showing off your memory?"

"Alright, but I'm still curious. Have you met your third brother's friend?"

"What friend?"

"You know, that one..."

"Which one? Oh, you mean..." Ji Le punched Hu Gao. "I've never seen him before, but I noticed my third brother looking at you strangely just now. Do you think he has a thing for someone?"

"Hey, I'm straight. See you!" Hu Gao was scared by Ji Le's joke and ran off quickly.

Breathless, Hu Gao left Ji Le's house, feeling a bit uneasy. Thinking about how Ji Kuai looked at him, he wondered if it was true. What the heck, he should avoid coming to Ji Le's house in the future.

Feeling a bit uneasy, Hu Gao returned to the War Academy. He searched the common hall for a long time but couldn't find Instructor Yang. It was already sunset, and he must have gone home. Although many martial artists stayed at the War Academy, most from Ningcheng went home. He asked around, but no one knew where Instructor Yang lived.

What a strange person. Hu Gao didn't delve deeper. He returned to the ancestral hall and found the temporary council quarters. Since the rebellion of Grand Elder Qingzhi, the ancestral hall had been under reconstruction, but the current quarters were still quite dilapidated.

Elder Nine and the Internal Affairs Elder were on duty. They were the main forces behind the reconstruction. Seeing Hu Gao, they were busy signing orders and didn't even look up.

"Two elders, Hu Gao has come to bid farewell."

"Farewell?" Elder Nine paused. "Where are you going?"

"The Longjia Mountains!"

"Oh." Elder Nine continued to look down, reading a report on the current status of the family's elite disciples. Suddenly, he realized and put down his pen. "What? You're going to the Longjia Mountains? The clan leader arranged for you to study at the War Academy."

"I believe going to the Longjia Mountains will be more beneficial for my growth." Hu Gao had anticipated this response and wasn't worried. He had prepared thoroughly before coming and was confident that the two elders would eventually agree.

"No! The Longjia Mountains are too dangerous. The family is short on manpower, and even sending the most elite Dark Knights with you wouldn't be safe," the Internal Affairs Elder refused without hesitation.

"I'm doing this to help the Guardian Deity awaken sooner. Lately, I've felt a voice deep within me calling out to the Longjia Mountains. I believe there is something there that is attracting the Guardian Deity within me," Hu Gao said.

Sure enough, upon hearing this, the two elders fell silent. After a long moment, the Internal Affairs Elder looked at Elder Nine, unsure if Hu Gao was telling the truth. He left the decision to Elder Nine, who was also from the Qing lineage. To him, Hu Gao's decision seemed absurd.

Elder Nine sighed, looking at the Internal Affairs Elder. "Alright, if that's the case, you may go."

"Thank you, elders!" Hu Gao smiled, knowing that Elder Nine would have a follow-up plan, but it didn't matter.

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