Book 2 Chapter 51: Innate Golden Elixir - Martial God

Chapter 51: Innate Golden Elixir He Yiming's expression shifted slightly. Over the past few days of training, he had repeatedly triggered the blade gleam of his enormous saber, deeply familiar with its power. Moreover, he had regarded this blade gleam as his final trump card, akin to Lu Xinwen's stacking technique, a last-resort lifesaver. Yet, when this blade gleam landed on Lu Xinwen, the man seemed unscathed, leaping away spryly. To He Yiming, this was utterly unfathomable. His mind raced, quickly resolving, "Uncle, I shall return shortly." With that, he leaped into motion, vanishing instantly. Though wielding a massive saber, it felt weightless in his hand, posing no hindrance whatsoever. Once the two formidable innate martial artists departed, silence engulfed the scene, soon followed by a flurry of change. The attendants and hired hands of the Fan family behind Yuan Zewei burst into cries, scattering like frightened birds. Only a few remained, pale-faced, watching Yuan Zewei. They had followed him but were not members of the Fan family. Despite understanding that the Fan family was virtually obliterated and their chances of ever entering the Yuan family were nil, they couldn't abandon Yuan Zewei now. However, Yuan Zewei was already devoid of any fighting spirit. His facial muscles twitched briefly before sighing deeply. With that sigh, he seemed utterly relieved, his body gently collapsing to the ground, eyes lifeless. For the Yuan family patriarch position, he had fought unscrupulously all his life. Just as victory was within reach, he realized the dream was irrevocably shattered. Unable to bear such a devastating blow, the old man sought release in death. Yuan Zeyu's gaze was equally blank as he stepped forward, crouching beside the lifeless Yuan Zewei, gently closing the open eyes. Yuan Chengzhi stepped forward as if to speak but hesitated, ultimately remaining silent. His eyes revealed not a shred of sympathy for the deceased uncle he despised. Yuan Zeyu stood, murmuring softly, "Chengzhi, go to the county city and bring back all of Big Brother's descendants." Yuan Chengzhi was taken aback, hastily saying, "Father..." Yuan Zeyu waved his hand, cutting him off, "Enough. I've decided. You may manage the city's shops, but return the fields and estates to their rightful owners." His words were decisive, leaving no room for negotiation. Despite his reluctance, Yuan Chengzhi dared not defy the old man's stubbornness, resigning with a heavy sigh. Turning around, Yuan Zeyu bowed to He Quanyin, "Nephew Quanyin, today, our Yuan lineage's survival is entirely thanks to your He family. I am deeply grateful..." He kneeled, about to bow his head. He Quanyin's face changed dramatically. He rushed forward, promptly halting him before he could kneel. Yuan Zeyu struggled briefly, but He Quanyin's arm was steadfast as a rock, unmoved. He Quanyin spoke earnestly, "Uncle Yuan, with the longstanding friendship between your family and my father, how could I accept your bow and explain myself later?" Yuan Zeyu sighed deeply, straightening up. Suddenly, he said, "Nephew, there's something I need you to witness." He Quanyin quickly replied, "Uncle Yuan, whatever you need, I'm at your service." Yuan Zeyu gestured towards Yuan Zewei's body, saying, "As they say, when a person dies, their deeds should be left in the past. Given his death, let all grudges be erased." He Quanyin hesitated before agreeing, "Uncle Yuan is right." "Since you agree, I wish to incorporate Big Brother's descendants back into the Yuan family registry and restore their properties," Yuan Zeyu declared solemnly, "I ask you to witness this, and if anyone covets their wealth in the future, please ensure justice for them." He Quanyin's eyes turned towards Yuan Chengzhi's face, showing a hint of difficulty. Yuan Chengzhi's expression turned grim, "Father, what do you mean by this?" "You know what I mean." Yuan Zeyu sighed softly, "I just don't want to see Big Brother's bloodline vanish after I'm gone." Yuan Chengzhi snorted, "Father, after all he did to you, you still choose this path. Do you think they'll appreciate it?" Yuan Zeyu replied gently, "Whether they appreciate it or not is irrelevant. I merely wish to safeguard their lineage." "And if they turn against us again in the future?" Calmly, Yuan Zeyu said, "I only want to protect those who can live peacefully and honestly." Only then did Yuan Chengzhi's expression soften, "Yes, Father, I understand." Turning to He Quanyin, Yuan Zeyu asked, "What do you think, Nephew?" He Quanyin finally nodded, "Since Uncle Yuan requests, I wouldn't dare refuse." Though he agreed, he understood this was merely the old man's sentiment. Even if Yuan Zewei's descendants returned to the family, at most, they would live comfortably, without any hope of regaining a decision-making role within the Yuan household. Marginalized for decades, their lasting presence was uncertain without support. If Yuan Zeyu lived, perhaps no one would dare bully them. But once he passed, things would be less assured. All He Quanyin could do was provide some hope for them and deter others from openly targeting them. After settling the affairs, Yuan Zeyu retreated for rest, personally arranging his brother's burial. As the old man departed, the heavy atmosphere finally began to disperse. Yuan Chengzhi exhaled deeply, efficiently directing the servants to tidy up before approaching He Quanyin, saying, "Brother He, is Yiming—no, Master He truly your nephew?" He Quanyin frowned, "Yiming is indeed my nephew." He paused as though dissatisfied with his previous tone, firmly adding, "Genuine." Instantly, Yuan Chengzhi's face lit up with joy, "Excellent, Brother He, you've kept this secret well." Although he spoke with a hint of complaint, his words were filled with excitement, like finding hope amid despair. Without Master He today, it wouldn't have been Yuan Zewei losing his life. He Quanyin forced a smile, internally musing, I didn't know myself, so how could I intentionally hide it from you? Glancing in the direction He Yiming had gone, he felt a surge of emotions, like being in a dream. Second Brother, your son's reached an innate state, fulfilling the old man's wishes... ※※※※ In the desolate forest, a shadow darted amongst the trees like a swift bird. In the shadow’s grasp was another person, but seemingly weightless, no burden at all. Finally, as they traversed a mountain hollow, the shadow stumbled, halting abruptly. Collapsing onto the ground, he seemed utterly spent, all strength drained. "Uncle Ancestor!" A startled cry sounded nearby, as Fan Haori quickly rose to support the elder. This man was none other than Lu Xinwen, who had just lost in the innate match. Now, he exuded none of that formidable life force. His hair had turned completely white in this short time, resembling the most ordinary of elders, with wrinkles creasing his brow, as if decades had passed in mere moments. Though not an innate expert, Fan Haori, seeing the elder's transformation, understood something, his complexion turning similarly pale. Lu Xinwen coughed lightly, his voice now rough and hoarse, "I checked earlier; no one followed." Fan Haori hesitated, quickly affirming, "Yes, Uncle Ancestor." "Do you know why I brought you from there?" Lu Xinwen inquired deeply. Even in such a dire situation, he showed no impatience. Stirred, Fan Haori's lips moved before he finally spoke, "Uncle Ancestor, you wish for me to avenge you and the two Xiao uncles." A bitter smile crossed Lu Xinwen's face as he shook his head slightly, "In fact, upon first seeing you in the Fan family, I knew your nature and physique perfectly suited my practice." Raising his head, he sighed deeply, "Initially, I intended to accept you as my final disciple once the three arrived, but regrettably, they're gone forever." Fan Haori looked up sharply, his voice shocked, "Uncle Ancestor, you..." "I was struck by He Yiming's blade gleam. Who would've thought, at such a young age, he not only reached the Innate realm but could also wield his blade with such piercing precision. Heh..." Lu Xinwen chuckled bitterly. "I underestimated him." Fan Haori opened his mouth to speak, but Lu Xinwen waved him off. "Listen to me and don't interrupt; I don't have much time left." The ominous feeling gripping Fan Haori intensified, prompting him to clamp his mouth shut. "He Yiming possesses extraordinary talent, with limitless potential in the future. Even if you trained your entire life, you wouldn't match him. I saved you, not expecting you to seek revenge, as that would be a journey to death," Lu Xinwen took a deep breath. "I saved you hoping you could inherit my martial arts, so our lineage's teachings could continue and not fade into oblivion." Fan Haori's face contorted in various emotions. Having faced defeat today, and with his father's death leaving the Fan family on the brink of decline, it was hard for him to let go of the enmity, even if Lu Xinwen could. Drawing several ragged breaths, Lu Xinwen continued, "Rumors say I discovered a legendary master’s hidden abode, obtaining treasures that enabled my advancement to the Innate realm." At these words, even Fan Haori couldn’t help but concentrate fully. "Heh, who'd have thought these people guessed correctly," Lu Xinwen remarked with resignation. Fan Haori mused internally, it wasn't mere luck they guessed right. Such rumors spread like wildfire whenever someone experiences a sudden surge in power. With you attaining the Innate level in such a short time, such theories are inevitable. Lu Xinwen sighed deeply, recounting, "Years ago, I was ambushed by the Zhu family. Though I narrowly escaped, I was severely injured, almost at death's door. Fate led me to discover a forebearer's hidden dwelling, filled not only with profound internal energy and martial techniques but also containing two Innate Golden Elixirs." Fan Haori's eyes widened. In remote places like He’s village, few may understand what an Innate Golden Elixir is, but he, having lived in the county city, knew well. An Innate Golden Elixir is refined using the core of a spirit beast with a lifespan of over five hundred years. Once consumed by a martial artist at the pinnacle of the tenth internal energy level, it could potentially lead to the Innate realm. While extreme and essence elixirs are invaluable, they pale compared to the Innate Golden Elixir, whose worth is truly inestimable for its potential to cultivate an Innate master. "I consumed one elixir myself, which allowed me to progress to the Innate realm. I had intended the remaining one for one of the brothers from the Xiao family, but with them gone, I'll pass it to you," Lu Xinwen said. Fan Haori knelt deeply, replying, "Thank you, Uncle Ancestor." Waving dismissively, Lu Xinwen added, "No need for thanks, but remember, not everyone can consume an Innate Golden Elixir. The one I obtained is from a water-attributed spirit beast, so only someone with a matching attribute can safely use it to reach the Innate level. Otherwise, the energy clash could turn it into a lethal poison." Fan Haori's expression changed slightly. He quickly replied, "I understand, Master." But internally, he planned to keep it for himself. Seeing through his thoughts, Lu Xinwen struggled to draw breath, warning, "I know you're tempted, but remember—if you haven't reached the peak of the tenth energy layer by eighty, never touch the elixir." "Why?" "Human constitution weakens with age. If you haven't achieved that standard by eighty, your body will age and fail to endure the elixir’s volatile energy. Even reaching the pinnacle later, an aging body wouldn't survive the impact," Lu Xinwen explained gravely. "Do remember this, never forget." Fan Haori bowed deeply, acknowledging, "Yes." A hint of disappointment flashed through his eyes. For an Innate expert, eighty might not be much, but for ordinary people and practitioners, it marked the end of life. Truly, the majority in this world don't live to eighty. With his talents, reaching the tenth level's pinnacle by then wasn't guaranteed. Lu Xinwen produced a sheepskin scroll from his clothes, handing it over. "This map shows the precise location of that dwelling. Follow it carefully and you will find it." Fan Haori received the scroll with utmost care, glancing briefly before tucking it safely away. Lu Xinwen sighed, "Years back, the dwelling I stumbled into was crafted by an unknown master, filled with intricate traps beyond my ability to solve. Fortunately, one room appeared to be their living quarters, thus devoid of traps. That's where I found the elixirs and manuals." Fan Haori instinctively asked, "Why leave such treasures in a living quarter?" Lu Xinwen shook his head bitterly, "I don't know. The room’s state suggests something urgent happened, forcing them to leave abruptly, never to return. Perhaps they suffered the same fate as I face now." Alarmed, Fan Haori asked, "Uncle Ancestor, your condition?" Lu Xinwen chuckled faintly, "He Yiming's blade gleam has severed my life force. Suppressing my injuries to escape with you has exhausted my limits. As for my life, I'm beyond saving." Fan Haori’s complexion darkened, eyes welling. In a sense, they shared a plight, and as the elder faced death, a shared grief and a vengeful spark arose in him. Lu Xinwen's voice dimmed to a whisper, "The elixirs and my insights are in that dwelling, seek them and continue our lineage, do not let it end." Fan Haori knelt, solemnly bowing three times, pledging, "Yes." Lu Xinwen nodded in satisfaction, slowly closing his eyes, murmuring his final doubt, "How can his innate energy be so potent... Was he born an Innate master, a fabled innate being?" His voice faded into silence, inaudible. Fan Haori remained kneeling, unmoving. After a long while, he checked for breath, his face twisting. He bowed again, speaking fiercely, assuring both his mentor and himself, "Uncle Ancestor, rest assured, I will seek vengeance for you and the Fan family. Even if I can never rival He Yiming, at least the Yuan and He families have only one He Yiming. Once I master my skills, I’ll eliminate every one of them, leaving none alive, ensuring he lives with unending regret." His vow resounded like thunder, his resolve like nails driven into stone, unyielding and indelible...