Samuel Harper stood up, just about to leave, when he suddenly glanced at William Harper unintentionally. After thinking for a moment, he frowned and said, “William, stay behind and clean up the table. You can’t gather elemental force anyway, so it doesn’t matter whether you participate in this trial or not.”

With that, Samuel Harper's figure flickered, and with his strength at the Six Harmonies Heaven level, he disappeared in an instant.

As soon as Samuel Harper left, George Harper and Henry Harper didn’t even spare William Harper a glance. They just nodded at Grace Harper, wiped their mouths with a damp cloth, and left as well. Their wives, Bennett and Sullivan, followed closely behind.

“Just wait until the trial is over, then I’ll deal with you, hmph!”

Alice Harper shot William Harper a fierce glare, didn’t bother to keep eating, and as he passed by William Harper, he muttered in a low voice that only the two of them could hear.

Then, together with Edward Harper and Charles Harper, he hurried off toward Qingyan Mountain, afraid that if they were late, they’d be locked in the Ice Cell for three days.

“William brother, it’s all because Alice brother was spitting everywhere and made Third Grandpa angry. Don’t be upset.”

Little Lily Harper tugged at William Harper’s sleeve, her bright big eyes and round little face pouting as she softly comforted William Harper.

“Let’s go, Little Lily. Do you want to be locked in the Ice Cell?”

Julia Harper frowned, and before William Harper could say anything, she called out sharply. She seemed to dislike Little Lily Harper getting too close to William Harper, so she grabbed Little Lily Harper and, not waiting for her to finish speaking, dragged her out.

Little Lily Harper stuck out her tongue, waved at William Harper, and ran out with Julia Harper.

When only he and Grace Harper were left in the dining room, William Harper, who had been keeping his head down, finished the last mouthful of porridge, then finally looked up. There was even a faint smile on his face, as if he hadn’t been affected at all by Thomas Harper’s scolding—neither angry nor impatient, calm in the face of honor or disgrace.

“William, don’t blame your grandfather. In the whole Ji family, the one who loves you most isn’t your aunt, it’s your grandfather!”

Seeing that everyone had left, Grace Harper let out a soft sigh and spoke gently.

“Aunt, of course I know Grandpa does this because he cares about me.

Sigh, it’s my own fault for not living up to expectations, and I’ve made things hard for Grandpa. Just so I could save a bit of effort, he actually has to go to all this trouble.”

William Harper sighed.

Hearing this, Grace Harper couldn’t help but laugh, stroked William Harper’s head, and said with relief, “You really are smarter and more sensible than those little rascals. You always put people at ease. If one day you can gather elemental force and become a Celestial Scholar, I think none of those brats like Alice could compare to you!”

ps: Xiao Ni’s new book is uploaded, please add it to your favorites, and throw a few recommendation votes my way, thank you (*^__^*)……

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Chapter Two: I Want to Try

Qingyan Mountain isn’t very tall, only about two hundred zhang, and is famous for its green rocks covering the whole mountain.

In early spring, the weather is warm, but there’s no green grass or flowers on Qingyan Mountain—only hard, green rocks.

As the sun rises, brilliant golden light shines on Qingyan Mountain, and, refracted by the green rocks, transforms into even more magnificent colors that spill down to the foot of the mountain.

At the eastern foot of Qingyan Mountain, all the members of the Ji family, young and old, were waiting for something.

Before long, two figures gradually appeared in the distance, walking over at a steady pace.

When Samuel Harper saw them, he immediately went up to greet them, and the rest of the Ji family followed.

“Lord City Master, you’ve taken time out of your busy schedule to attend the trial of the Ji family’s young men. It’s truly an honor for our family.”

The previously high-and-mighty Samuel Harper now slightly hunched his back and wore a broad smile.

“You’re too polite.”

Qingyan City’s City Master, Richard Clark, first smiled and returned the greeting, then his gaze passed over Samuel Harper and landed on Thomas Harper and Grace Harper behind him. He nodded slightly, then walked over with his steward, Franklin Cooper.

At the foot of the mountain, Richard Clark looked up at the two-hundred-zhang-tall Qingyan Mountain and said with a smile, “Qingyan Mountain isn’t very high, but from this angle, it really does look a bit dangerous.”

Climbing Qingyan Mountain from here, the slope was almost vertical, nearly ninety degrees. Other than the protruding hard green rocks, there was nowhere to set foot or gain leverage. Not to mention people—even monkeys would have a hard time climbing up from here.

“That’s the only way to temper those little rascals.”

Samuel Harper chuckled, looked around, and, seeing that all the direct and collateral descendants of the Ji family had arrived, nodded and said to Richard Clark, “Since you’re here, Lord City Master, shall we begin?”

“Heh, we should have started earlier. You insisted on waiting for me.”

Richard Clark said lightly.

“All those little rascals who haven’t reached the Three Talents Heaven, get ready. Whoever is the first to reach the top from here will be allowed to stay on the third floor of the Sutra Pavilion for three days, and freely browse the Celestial Scholar cultivation secrets and secret techniques inside.

The second and third to reach the top can stay on the second floor of the Sutra Pavilion for three days.

Even if you don’t place, as long as you can reach the top, you can stay on the first floor of the Sutra Pavilion for three days and choose one Celestial Scholar secret or secret technique to cultivate!”

Samuel Harper announced.

All the direct and collateral descendants of the Ji family, male and female alike, were rubbing their fists in excitement, their faces filled with barely concealed anticipation and enthusiasm.