Volume 2 Chapter 25: Innate True Qi - Martial God

Chapter 25: Innate True Qi Staring at his hands, a sudden thought surged in He Yi Ming's mind. He calmly extended his hands, clasping them together to form a peculiar seal—a skill of his own creation, the Hidden Needle Seal, considered one of the innate combat techniques. The true qi within his body flowed along a predetermined path, and after coursing through several meridians, his palms swelled slightly, sending out two swift streams of energy. These streams were no longer silent and colorless; they glowed faintly red, accompanied by a sharp, whistling sound, and shot out swiftly. So fast were they that, even to He Yi Ming himself, it was just a flash of red in front of his eyes. He opened his mouth in astonishment, casting a look of bewildered awe at the sight before him. The stone wall of the valley lay in front of him, now inexplicably marked with two deep holes the size of fists. Inside the depths, there was a faint blackening, emitting a thin wisp of white smoke. Swallowing hard, even he doubted whether he had truly caused this. Taking a deep breath, He Yi Ming extended his arm once more, allowing his true qi to slowly circulate, passing from his dantian through his body's meridians, reaching his arm. Gradually, a peculiar red object seemed to sprout from his palm. He Yi Ming's expression turned exceedingly grave, focusing all his attention on this peculiar entity. He knew well this was true qi, his own true qi, and it was specifically activated by the Fiery Flame Art. With a flicker of his movement, he disappeared from his spot, reappearing directly before the stone wall. A light wave of his hand and the wall crumbled with a rustle, releasing a cloud of dust. Upon closely examining the wall, he noticed a deep trench that now scarred its surface. This was true qi—damage inflicted even when it left the body. The key difference between the internal energy of a cultivator and true qi was that no matter how powerful internal energy became, it couldn't harm from a distance. Even the strongest internals, upon leaving the body, dispersed beyond a single inch. For post-heavenly cultivators to injure from afar, there were only two methods. The first involved cultivating certain innate combat techniques like the Air-Splitting Palm or the Hidden Needle Seal. Only those with exceptional talent and dedication could remotely harm. The second method, simpler and preferred by most post-heavenly cultivators, involved using concealed weapons. Be it tiny flying needles, arrows, or employing peak-level internal strength to hurl objects; all these could be used to harm from a distance. However, all methods required a medium that could bear the internal strength. Barring this, post-heavenly cultivators simply couldn't achieve such feats. True qi, however, was markedly different. Even when expelled, it could interact with the ambient energies under the practitioner's control, enabling remote attacks. Though currently, He Yi Ming's true qi was still shallow and couldn't achieve optimal results, it represented a significant leap. From this moment on, He Yi Ming had officially entered the realm of the innate. Taking a deep breath, He Yi Ming moved fluidly, darting around the area while his hands moved continuously, wielding dual red light swords about two feet long. These swords seemed almost tangible, reducing anything they touched to ashes instantly. The fierce might of the true qi unleashed by the Fiery Flame Art filled He Yi Ming with an unparalleled sense of invincible self-assurance. The disparity between innate and post-heavenly realms was immense; even a peak tenth-level post-heavenly expert wouldn't stand a chance against him. Without reaching innate, one couldn't comprehend the true chasm between innate and post-heavenly states. Suddenly, He Yi Ming stopped abruptly, his brow furrowing as the two light swords vanished from his palms. Extending the light swords, although impressive, was also extraordinarily qi-draining—an unsustainable burden for someone newly stepping into the innate realm like He Yi Ming. Although an innate realm practitioner could absorb certain external energies to rapidly replenish lost qi, this also had its limits. If consumption seriously exceeded replenishment, the technique couldn't be sustained. He Yi Ming spent an entire day in the valley, practicing all his mastered techniques. He confirmed that post-heavenly techniques remained as such, unable to exert the power akin to innate techniques even when wielded by an innate expert. As for innate techniques, the Hidden Needle Seal, learned through stealth, went without saying. The Opening Mountain Thirty-Six Styles, upon reaching the innate, had allowed him to cultivate four complete forms. Though eager to continue, he found himself stuck at the seventeenth form. The depiction of the seventeenth form was bizarre, resembling kite-flying, with qi demands exceeding terrifying levels—far beyond his current capability. An attempt led to qi reversals, nearly wrecking his meridians completely. Only then did He Yi Ming establish that the seventeenth form and beyond were momentarily unattainable. However, having those four forms sufficed; each exhibited power incomparable to any post-heavenly technique, each capable of channeling ambient energy to enhance their might. He felt confident that should he encounter another Golden Crown Python, he wouldn't need to deplete all his internal strength in a near suicide attack. With these newly mastered four forms, he could easily slay such a spirit beast on the spot. After a day of trials, He Yi Ming gained a preliminary understanding of the innate realm. Of course, this understanding was self-gleaned, leaving a long journey ahead for true mastery. With a swift maneuver, he departed the valley, heading towards Yingfeng City. Simultaneously, he resolved that once the long-armed bear garments were complete, he would depart. ※※※※ The Xie household was bustling with esteemed guests. Only those qualified among the Xie's core and the prominent figures of the other three great families of the Kingdom of Firecrow were present. After Prince Ting Ming He from the royal family had arrived, heads of two other great families also came in person. Like Ting Ming He, they assumed that the patriarch of the Xie family, Xie Zhi En, had surpassed his limits, reaching the innate realm. Upon hearing the truth, each was deeply astonished. Consequently, they tacitly stayed with the Xie family, which naturally couldn’t refuse. Currently, the courtyard where Xie Ming Jin resided had been fully restored, only the top of the meditation room bore a large skylight and faint trace of the past damage on the surroundings, resembling its old state otherwise. Xie Ming Jin personally dwelled in that courtyard, yet left the best room vacant. In his heart lingered unease, uncertain whether He Yi Ming would return. Although confident a strong innate practitioner would keep promises, anxiety persisted beyond his control. Suddenly, an exuberant voice echoed into the courtyard, "Brother Xie, why are you alone here? Where are the servants, have you dismissed them?" Xie Ming Jin leaped from his chair, rushing out to see a spirited He Yi Ming full of smiles, and his heart settled in relief. "Brother He, you're finally back," Xie Ming Jin sighed in relief. He Yi Ming turned his head, looking towards a particular courtyard. "Brother Xie, who resides over there?" Xie Ming Jin gave a wry smile, "They are strong figures from the other three great families of our country." After a pause, a hint of reverence flickered in his eyes. "Master He, they all wish to meet you." "Master He?" He Yi Ming chuckled wryly, "Why do you call me Master He?" With a serious expression, Xie Ming Jin explained, "In our northwest regions, anyone who enters the innate realm is honored with the title of 'Master'. You didn’t know?" He Yi Ming shook his head in confusion. Living in Taicang County, he’d never had the opportunity to encounter innate experts or know these customs. Xie Ming Jin stared at him for a long moment before sighing, "Master He..." He Yi Ming interrupted with a wave, "Brother Xie, though we've not known each other long, our friendship is sincere. Let's continue to address each other as brothers." If He Yi Ming were a few years older and more accustomed to social interactions, he might have accepted Xie Ming Jin’s shift in how he addressed him with composure. But deep down, He Yi Ming was still a fifteen-year-old boy, and he held a certain regard for Xie Ming Jin. Thus, when Xie addressed him as Master He, he felt distinctly uncomfortable. A glimmer of excitement flickered in Xie Ming Jin’s eyes, fully understanding the implication of He Yi Ming’s words. Nodding deeply, he said, “Very well, Brother He. Among the guests, whether you meet the heads of the Mu and Luo families doesn’t matter much. However, it would be best to find some time to meet with Prince Ting Ming He from the royal family.” He Yi Ming blinked in mild surprise and asked, “Why? Is it because of the royal family?” “No, though the Ting family is royal, my suggestion isn’t for that reason,” Xie Ming Jin replied as calmly as he could. “In our Kingdom of Firecrow, the capital houses an innate realm expert.” He Yi Ming’s eyes brightened immediately, and he asked in a steady voice, “Is he from the royal family?” “Indeed, it is Master Ting Shi Guang from the royal lineage,” Xie Ming Jin nodded solemnly, “According to the Great Uncle, Master Ting Shi Guang is over a hundred and fifty years old, belonging to the elder generation beyond even the Great Uncle. Since reaching the innate realm, he has served as the national guardian of our Kingdom of Firecrow.” Xie Ming Jin’s voice held unrestrained respect for the venerable innate expert. He Yi Ming was intrigued and asked, “Brother Xie, in our northwest countries, does each one have its own innate realm expert?” Xie Ming Jin hesitated briefly before replying, “Almost every country does, though not all innate experts show themselves. Some countries might not openly have a national guardian, yet no one dares to provoke them easily.” He Yi Ming nodded slowly. Though he didn’t know if Tianluo had a national guardian as well, he understood that there were at least hidden innate experts within the country. With a quick change of thought, he asked, “Are you suggesting I meet Ting Ming He because Ting Shi Guang wants to see me?” “Exactly.” Xie Ming Jin was surprised at how quickly He Yi Ming deduced the truth. After a moment of contemplation, He Yi Ming decided, “Alright, please assist me in meeting all of them.” “All of them?” Xie Ming Jin asked in astonishment. “Yes, meeting one or meeting three, it makes no difference. No need to differentiate,” He Yi Ming said casually. Xie Ming Jin immediately understood and cast a grateful glance at He Yi Ming, leading the way out of the courtyard. Inside the courtyard, there were no servants, yet outside, dozens of eyes were fixed on the area. News of He Yi Ming’s appearance spread quickly, reaching the ears of the Xie brothers, Xie Nuan Hang and Xie Nuan Yi. As Xie Ming Jin led He Yi Ming to the front hall, the brothers had already arrived, instructing the representatives of the three major families to gather. Shortly after, the three family heads entered the main hall of the Xie household. He Yi Ming’s gaze scanned them, memorizing their appearances immediately. One was a refined, scholarly middle-aged man, the other a burly figure, and the last was surprisingly an elegant middle-aged woman. Upon stepping into the hall, their eyes pinned on He Yi Ming, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief. The Xie brothers had merely mentioned a friend visiting, omitting He Yi Ming’s age. They had anticipated an elderly sage or at least a robust middle-aged man. Observing He Yi Ming’s youthful features and demeanor, a thought flashed through their minds: Could this not be the breakthrough expert they’d anticipated? In the hall, aside from the Xie brothers, there was only Xie Ming Jin. Familiar with Xie Ming Jin, the three weren't inclined to believe he had reached the innate realm. That notion seemed as far-fetched as the idea of Da Shen’s army arriving tomorrow to decimate the northern kingdoms. Once the trio entered, the Xie brothers were already standing. Xie Ming Jin hadn't taken a seat yet, and He Yi Ming remained nonchalantly seated in a grand chair, only glancing at them once before resuming his composed posture. Despite his dismissive demeanor, his attitude made the visitors uneasy, heightening their suspicions. Xie Ming Jin cleared his throat, stepping forward, “Brother He, this is Prince Ting Ming He from our Kingdom of Firecrow’s royal family; this is Master Mu, current head of the Mu family; and Madam Luo Xin, the head of the Luo family.” As Xie Ming Jin introduced them, the three visitors became certain. Their status warranted a personal introduction, with the young man remaining unaffected—only an innate expert would defy conventional norms. What surprised them more was Xie Ming Jin addressing him as Brother He, prompting them to wonder about their connection. In an instant, the perception of Xie Ming Jin, generally low in esteem, was elevated dramatically among major players, almost equaling Xie Nuan Hang, and even surpassing Xie Nuan Yi. He Yi Ming nodded slightly in acknowledgment, his gaze lingering on Luo Xin for a moment longer. A woman who could outshine men to become the head of a family was a rare sight. He Yi Ming couldn’t recall encountering such an example before. Luo Xin carried a respectful smile. If any other young brat ogled her so boldly, she wouldn’t hesitate to gouge out their eyes. Yet, facing He Yi Ming, she dared not even entertain the thought. Xie Ming Jin turned to the visitors, “Uncles and aunt, this is my friend, Master He Yi Ming.” Flickers of surprise darted across their eyes. Indeed, he was an innate realm expert, yet remarkably, he was Xie Ming Jin’s personal friend. Thus, Xie Ming Jin’s standing heightened continuously, mirroring Xie Nuan Hang’s status, even surpassing Xie Nuan Yi. “Greetings to Master He,” the trio chorused, bowing deeply. Facing an innate expert, no level of respect was excessive. He Yi Ming hesitated, but still returned the courtesy. His upbringing instilled an uneasiness with receiving such reverence from elders. However, his simple return gesture, revealing his youthfulness, sparked skepticism among the seasoned visitors. Even with the evident anomaly seen in the Xie household, doubt crept in—was this seemingly inexperienced youth truly an innate expert? Detecting a trace of skepticism in their eyes, He Yi Ming's brow furrowed slightly, a powerful aura radiating naturally from him.