Volume 2 Chapter 46: First Encounter - Martial God

Chapter 46: First Encounter He Yiming stood atop a mountain peak, fusing two high-level martial techniques. Once he succeeded, he returned to the Yuan family estate to await quietly. Mysteriously, he had a gut feeling that Lu Xinwen would inevitably come seeking him. On this particular morning, He Yiming rose early, silently practicing in his room. Occasionally, an unusual glow would emanate from his body. This was his method of absorbing innate energy to strengthen his meridian nodes. Although the efficiency wasn't high, the constant stimulation slowly enhanced the nodes associated with the Five Elements technique. He Yiming was unaware that, among those who advance to the innate level, immediately sensing and training their entire body's nodes is a rarity akin to finding a needle in a haystack. This uniqueness stemmed from his exceptional physique. Suddenly, a powerful aura surged from outside the manor. This aura carried an enormous, unimaginable oppressive force, far beyond any postnatal level, detectable only by those well-acquainted with innate power. In that moment, He Yiming realized clearly: the person had come, openly issuing his most formidable challenge. Had He Yiming not recently transcended to enlightenment on the mountain peak, had his innate energy not surged, and had he not mastered two distinct innate techniques, such provocation would have surely disturbed his composure. However, at this moment, his brows shot up as he released an equally dominating aura, undaunted by his adversary. Unlike the other, He Yiming's formidable presence wasn't unleashed heedlessly. Instead, he condensed his energy into the sky, directing it with precision towards the source of the great pressure outside the estate. This method concealed His presence from the estate's inhabitants, though it required significantly more skill to execute. Outside the estate, Lu Xinwen did not back down. The auras of the two innate warriors clashed violently. Before a peer of unknown capability, caution dictated restraint. Nevertheless, even with this prudence, when the two immense invisible energies collided at the estate's entrance, the result was both vast and terrifying. A heart-pounding unease rippled through all living creatures within hundreds of meters, as if someone had suddenly lurked close and screamed in their ear. While not a direct killing technique, this could drastically accelerate heartbeats. Those with weaker constitutions risked sudden cardiac arrest. In that fleeting moment, the area fell into absolute silence. Not only the voices of humans ceased, but even the lifeless chirping of insects vanished. The manor's fierce guard dogs hunched with their tails between their legs, limp on the ground as though facing a natural predator. Eerily, the space descended into a stillness devoid of life. Thereafter, Lu Xinwen swiftly departed. Meanwhile, He Yiming stood momentarily stunned, recognizing Lu Xinwen's formidable prowess through their exchanged energies. He could tell that even with His recent gains in innate energy, surpassing Lu Xinwen would still be uncertain. Yet, for reasons unknown, Lu Xinwen withdrew promptly after their energies clashed, contrary to the bloodthirsty disposition ascribed to him. He Yiming touched the large broadsword on the bed, his brow furrowed. Despite being well-prepared and at peak preparedness, ready to retaliate forcefully, Lu Xinwen's unexpected retreat left Him dissatisfied, as though exerting full strength into a blow only to have it effortlessly diffused, as if striking soft cotton with no resistance. This feeling was intensely perplexing, even for Him. In a moment of clarity, He deduced why Lu Xinwen had retreated so easily. With a wry smile, He released the sword, acknowledging the truth that innate masters seldom went down without a fight. Just then, a familiar set of footsteps sounded outside. His elder brother, He Yitian, emerged from seclusion and called out, "Sixth Brother, come out, Father is looking for you." ※※※※ In the Van family of the county city, both father and son's faces bore a heavy gravity. Their expressions were notably tenser than in recent days. The disappearance of the Xiao brothers left them unsettled. However, they doubted anyone in the Yuan family could detain both brothers. Yet, Lu Xinwen's return from the Yuan family estate alarmed them profoundly. Fan Haori had confirmed an alarming truth. There was indeed an innate-level warrior at the Yuan family. According to Lu Xinwen's display, this warrior's strength was notable. Not only were Lu Xinwen's three disciples likely doomed, but even Lu Xinwen himself, after a mere glance at the Yuan manor, mysteriously retreated. Every indication horrified the Van father and son. They regretted provoking the Yuan family, unaware they could enlist such formidable strength. Fan Shuhe sighed deeply, saying, "Haori, stay close to the senior in the coming days. Our family has no retreat left. Surviving this ordeal rests on Senior Lu." Fan Haori nodded, keenly understanding the urgency. After briefing his father on events, he promptly withdrew. The residence assigned to Lu Xinwen was naturally the Van family's finest standalone courtyard, its accommodations well-appointed, surpassing even those of Fan Shuhe. Upon reaching this courtyard, Fan Haori stood guard. He dared not interrupt Lu Xinwen's retreat. Yet, a gentle voice invited him in, "Come in." Momentarily startled, Fan Haori respectfully entered. Upon seeing Lu Xinwen, his expression flickered. Lu Xinwen bore a trace of sorrow on his face, a departure from his composed demeanor before the Yuan family's gate, despite acknowledging his disciples' uncertain fate. Yet, back here, he revealed this vulnerability. Fan Haori's lips moved silently, struggling to find words. Lu Xinwen suddenly asked, "Fan Haori, do you see me as too indifferent or weak? Knowing my disciples' fate is grim and the culprits are at the Yuan estate, yet I dare not avenge them immediately?" Fan Haori knelt promptly, protesting, "Great Uncle, I harbor no such thoughts." "Oh? Then what do you think?" Hesitating, Fan Haori remained kneeling and said, "I suspect the sudden appearance of an innate warrior at the Yuan household is extraordinary. Moreover, I stand in the open, they in the shadows. A rash assault might spring their trap; thus, a strategic retreat allows time to assess the enemy fully, leading to decisive action." Lu Xinwen's gaze held him, a hint of approval emerging. "Rise." Slowly standing, Fan Haori remained cautious, his very breath subdued to silence. "Though not entirely correct, you're near the mark," Lu Xinwen sighed. "I tested my energy against the Yuan household's." Recollecting the oppressive force felt then, Fan Haori understood, gaining newfound reverence for innate warriors. How the masters engaged eluded him, deepening his awe. Lu Xinwen's voice was soft and ethereal. Fan Haori felt the old figure before him flicker, not explaining to him but introspectively reflecting. "The Yuan household's warrior had gathered strength; aura, stamina, and energy were at peak. Meanwhile, shaken by my disciples' fate, my focus wavered. Fighting then, despite superior skill, victory was uncertain. Do you understand?" Respectfully, Fan Haori replied, "Yes, I understand." Lu Xinwen nodded slightly and waved his hand, saying, "Since you understand, you can leave now. I will meet with you in five days." Fan Haori kowtowed once more before slowly departing. As the courtyard door closed quietly, the inside fell silent, as if the door separated two different worlds, isolating them completely from each other. Fan Haori stood staring at the tightly shut door, casting aside his earlier worries. For some reason, he had the distinct feeling that when the elder emerged in five days, it would be at the pinnacle of his strength. ※※※※ "Uncle, you called for me." He Yiming entered his uncle’s room with a smile, fully aware of the reason for being summoned. His uncle, with his profound inner strength, must have sensed the immense pressure from earlier and thus called him over. Apart from He Quanjin, the room also hosted Yuan Zeyu and his son, Yuan Chengzhi. It seemed the elder Yuan Zeyu intended to pass on the leadership of the Yuan family, as he had remained in seclusion. Yet, in this moment, even he could not sit idly by. "Yiming, did you feel it?" He Quanjin asked gravely. He Yiming nodded slightly, "Yes, I felt it." He Quanjin spoke solemnly, "Brother Yuan, now it’s your turn to speak." Yuan Chengzhi nodded solemnly, "Nephews Yitian and Yiming, just now, the servants guarding the gate reported an unusual figure came to the front of the estate, lingered briefly, then left. However, during that time, we all felt an immense pressure, and a few servants are still incapacitated by it." He paused, "If I'm not mistaken, all this was orchestrated by that person." Though Fan Haori accompanied Lu Xinwen, the latter's innate aura was so overwhelming that it captured all attention, leaving Fan Haori as unnoticed as a firefly under sunlight. Had He Yitian been present, he might have noticed Fan Haori. Expecting the gatekeepers to have such discernment would be excessively demanding. He Quanjin asked seriously, "Brother Yuan, do you know who that person might be?" Yuan Chengzhi smiled bitterly, "If I knew, I would have told you already, not kept it a mystery." He Yitian glanced at his father, "Father, could he be from the same group as the one from the other night? Here to aid the Fan family?" He Quanjin maintained an impassive expression, shaking his head, "I don't know. But if this person has come here, he surely has ties to the Fan family." Yuan Zeyu sighed softly, "Nephew Quanjin, I have a question." "Please ask, Elder," He Quanjin replied with a slight bow. "If this person truly supports the Fan family, are you confident you can contend with him?" Yuan Zeyu's eyes were fixated on He Quanjin, as though seeking reassurance. He Quanjin's brow furrowed, and after a long pause, he finally said, "Uncle Yuan, I have not seen them, but under the oppressive aura just now, I couldn't muster the will to resist." Yuan Zeyu and company turned pale. He Quanjin was their greatest ally, yet with relentless emerging experts from the Fan family—first the Xiao brothers with their innate agility and armguard treasures, followed by night intruders probing He Quanjin’s strength, and now an enigmatic elder causing He Quanjin to concede without appearing—these challenges surged like unrelenting waves, overwhelming the Yuan family. After his expression shifted several times, Yuan Zeyu said, "Nephew Quanjin, do you think Brother He could personally succeed against him?" Even as a master of inner strength, He Quanjin fell short compared to He Wude at his peak, so he clung to some hope. He Quanjin shook his head decisively, "Uncle Yuan, if my guess is correct, that person has likely surpassed the postnatal stage." Though hesitant, his tone was firm. The faces of the Yuan family and He Yitian immediately darkened, with only He Yiming remaining outwardly unchanged. Seeing this, He Quanjin sighed inwardly. Yuan Zeyu pondered briefly before stating, "If that's the case, we needn't prepare further." Though aged, his resolve was strong, "Chengzhi, spread the word at once: our whole family will vacate the estate. It will now belong to the eldest." Yuan Chengzhi was taken aback, exclaiming, "Father..." In truth, the Yuan family had long prepared for such an outcome. Many valuables had already been relocated, ready for a swift exit. Yet, how many could easily abandon everything before necessity? With a wave, Yuan Zeyu declared, "No need to say more. With such an adversary, victory is impossible. Better to withdraw while we can than meet demise. To survive, albeit inconveniently, is still fortune in misfortune." Yuan Chengzhi and He Quanjin exchanged glances, their expressions equally somber. The daunting pressure felt earlier weighed on each heart like a stone. With a bitter smile, Yuan Zeyu offered reassurance, "We should actually be grateful. Had that person forcefully entered, our escape might've been untenable." Everyone felt a jolt, even Yuan Chengzhi wavered slightly. Observing the group, He Yiming suddenly laughed heartily, "Uncle Yuan, I have a question." Yuan Zeyu was taken aback, "Ask." "You all assume this person is linked to the Fan family. But is there any evidence of such a connection?" Everyone looked puzzled, but soon hope glimmered in their eyes. Yuan Chengzhi slapped his thigh, "Indeed, who knows their identity? Perhaps they're just lost..." He shook his head, evidently dubious even to himself. He added, "Regardless, we should verify. To retreat without confirmation would invite ridicule, and reclaiming later would be impossible." Yuan Zeyu hesitated but ultimately conceded to his son's reasoning. Yet in the following days, they obtained no information about the mysterious figure. Caught between hope and uncertainty, the ten-day deadline finally approached.