Book 2 Chapter 53: The Worries of the Eldest Brother - Martial God

Chapter 53: The Worries of the Eldest Brother From the feel of it alone, it was clear that this wasn't an ordinary parchment scroll. It seemed to have been specially treated, giving the scroll a characteristic of being highly durable. Gently unfolding the scroll, there were distinct patterns woven into the surface, not painted but rather skillfully stitched with resilient threads of different colors. The entire design resembled a large apple, so lifelike that it invoked a desire to take a bite. Suddenly touched by a thought, He Yiming raised the scroll above his head, examining it closely. In the center of the apple's emerald green skin was a circular white flesh, with a heart-shaped red core at its center. Under the sunlight, the red heart appeared strangely translucent. His palm gently caressed the scroll, sensing the weight of centuries embedded within. He could vaguely sense that Lyu Xinwen had not made this item but had discovered it from somewhere. The scroll's history was undoubtedly long, yet it showed no signs of aging or fading, with vibrant colors as if newly stitched. If not for his unique intuition suggesting its antiquity, he wouldn't have been so certain. A peculiar thought suddenly flashed through his mind. Hesitating, he grasped a corner of the map, applying slight pressure and tugging gently. To his surprise, it didn't move at all. Increasing the force slightly yielded the same immovable result. Eventually, He Yiming dared not exert more strength, realizing that the scroll's durability far surpassed his expectations. For an ordinary person, damaging it would be nearly impossible. This confirmed one thing: the origin of this map was extraordinary. He recalled Lyu Xinwen's words before his demise, mentioning that the hideout contained mechanisms he couldn't even decipher, only intensifying his curiosity. Lyu Xinwen was a formidable candidate, yet could something in that place really impede or guard against someone of his caliber? It was baffling. An intense urge rose within him, compelling him to seek out that hideout and unravel what mechanics could intimidate such powerful individuals. His gaze scanned the map again, furrowing his eyebrows in perplexity. The landscape embroidered on the map was unfamiliar to him. This wasn't surprising—vast continents with abundant terrains were beyond any single person's comprehension. Several crucial locations on the map bore tiny inscriptions, presumably their names. However, though He Yiming recognized the characters, these particular ones were utterly foreign to him. This peculiar script was something he had never encountered. After contemplating, He Yiming carefully folded the map. It wasn't suitable for others to see; he would unravel its secrets gradually. Although the script was obscure, someone across the vast expanse would recognize it, or Lyu Xinwen wouldn't have confidently entrusted it to Fan Haori, believing he could locate it effortlessly. Thus, these words, though not universally recognized, were known to some. Securing his emotions, He Yiming turned to leave. He had pursued Lyu Xinwen cautiously, but his return was unrestrained, his body swift as a flowing cloud, harnessing the wind’s power, and moving towards Yuan Manor at a pace surpassing ordinary men. ※ ※ ※ ※ A week had swiftly passed. During this week, He Yiming experienced treatment in Yuan Manor nearly akin to that reserved for royalty. Without his command, no one dared to enter the residence shared by the He family trio, not even the original host, Yuan Chengzhi, who first enlisted the house-hold maids to relay messages before seeking permission to enter. Previously, Yuan Family was courteous but not to the current extent of reverence. However, upon realizing He Yiming's true potential, the entire Yuan Family's attitude drastically shifted overnight. Long, steady breathing emanated from He Yiming's chamber, endless in pace, surpassing normal human capacity, even exceeding that of He Quanxin's tenth-tier internal strength. Abruptly, the breathing ceased. He Yiming opened his eyes, jokingly saying, "Brother, if you need me, come in." The door opened immediately, He Yitian entering with an apologetic smile. "Yi, how did you know I was coming to see you?" He Yiming rolled his eyes, retorting, "You’ve been pacing outside my door so much, I’d be deaf not to notice." Seeing that Yi's demeanor toward him hadn't altered, He Yitian relaxed, expressing relief mixed with laughter, "I couldn't believe it when I heard you advanced to innate level silently." He Yiming offered a faint smile. Evaluations were unnecessary; silence was best. "Actually, when I first discovered your breakthrough, I was worried," He Yitian sighed deeply. "Brother, what worried you?" "I was worried about a change in your attitude," He Yitian replied sincerely. Stunned, He Yiming reflected and realized his sentiments towards his brothers had slightly shifted, though not significantly. After all, his innate breakthrough was recent; long-held familial ties couldn’t be erased within mere days. "Now, I am relieved," He Yitian said with satisfaction, "You're still my younger brother, the diligent lad of He Family Village." Sharing a laugh with him, He Yiming assured, "Brother, I won't change." He Yitian nodded heavily, then revealed a troubled expression. Curiously, He Yiming sensed his brother was facing some difficulty, likely seeking his counsel. "Brother, what troubles you?" After some hesitation, He Yitian confessed, "I met with Yuan Zeyu a few days ago." "What did he say to you?" He Yiming asked, sensing there was more to the story. "Yuan Zeyu offered me a concubine," He Yitian blushed. Momentarily dumbfounded, He Yiming gave his brother a quizzical look. "Brother, you just married last year," He Yiming tentatively questioned, "Is there discord between you and sister-in-law?" He Yitian shook his head vigorously, "No, my relationship with her is fine." "Then, why not refuse Mr. Yuan's offer?" He Yiming queried, perplexed. "Grandfather and Uncle have always said that, while martial artists aren't averse to romance, overindulgence might dampen one's strength, possibly halting progress." He Yitian's face changed slightly and he finally admitted, "I understand all of this, but I like her." He Yiming opened his mouth, but hearing his brother's candid confession rendered him speechless. Though harmonic, He Yitian's marriage was a familial alliance; the beautiful yet unchosen bride wasn't his life-romantic choice. Yet for this person, whom he might’ve barely met once, he confessed his affection. That alone revealed He Yitian’s genuine heart. However... He Yiming knit his brows, "Brother, does Uncle know about this?" He Yitian awkwardly nodded, "Father does not know." He Yiming's expression shifted slightly, "Have you considered the consequences if Uncle learns of your indulgence?" Instinctively, He Yiming's gaze shifted to He Yitian’s backside. His memory recalled how disconnected his brother was from bamboo discipline in childhood. However, now being a man of twenty-five, he wondered if his uncle would still employ such punitive measures. He Yitian quickly noticed his younger brother's gaze, blushing furiously. "What are you thinking about?" He Yiming quickly sobered up, laughing, "Brother, I was just pondering whether Uncle might punish you with some time facing a wall. Three years of meditation might be quite a challenge." Despite He Yitian's huff at his younger brother's cheeky response, the prospect did indeed trouble him. "It's not merely about meditation," He Yitian sighed. "The real fear is Father not approving. Since childhood, he has taught us that martial arts are the very foundation of the He family's standing. If they learn I wish to take a concubine, the elders may not consent." He Yiming raised an eyebrow, suddenly interjecting, "Brother, I recall Uncle married at fifteen. Perhaps…” He Yitian shook his head repeatedly, "Yiming, that was a different time. Back then, the He family needed to establish roots in Taicang, prompting Grandfather to arrange an early marriage for Father. Now, our family is firmly established. Even my marriage before turning twenty-five was due to the responsibilities of being the eldest son. As martial artists, it would be entirely reasonable to marry after thirty." He Yiming understood his brother's concerns. Except for those resigning from further advancement in martial arts, few immersed themselves in romantic indulgence. After speaking, He Yitian observed He Yiming with a peculiar look. Suddenly, He Yiming felt a foreboding sensation. "Brother, what are you planning?" Clearing his throat, He Yitian cautiously said, "Yiming, I have a favor to ask." Though He Yiming felt a sense of dread, he didn't hesitate. "Anything you need, Brother." "This time, Old Master Yuan had two ladies on offer. I only took a liking to one of them," He Yitian admitted anxiously. He Yiming's eyes widened. "What do you mean, Brother?" He Yitian sighed, "Dear brother, I'm in a bind. You're now our family's finest. If you accept one of the ladies, it would make my acceptance of the other seem more reasonable." He Yiming's expression twisted comically. Despite being deeply engrossed in martial arts, at his age, having no curiosity about women would be absurd. Still, his primary focus was on enhancing his martial prowess. Training provided him with unparalleled joy, so he hadn't given much thought to such matters. Yet, now that his brother mentioned it, he found himself at a crossroads. After contemplating, He Yiming shook his head, "Brother, do you think Grandfather and Uncle would agree to me marrying now?" He Yitian laughed wryly, "Yiming, you misunderstood. I'm not suggesting you marry the girl as a wife." He paused, "She's the daughter of Uncle Yuan Chengzhi, though born out of wedlock, and her mother died young. She's graceful and well-mannered, and even as a concubine, she wouldn't disgrace you." "Concubine?" He Yiming queried, puzzled. "Precisely," He Yitian said proudly. "Even if she were a legitimate daughter from the Yuan family, she'd still only be suited as a concubine for you." An idea dawned on He Yiming. "Brother, the girl you've taken to, who is she?" Blushing, He Yitian replied, "She's Yuan Zelai’s granddaughter, a well-mannered girl unlikely to clash with Yanli." He Yiming raised his eyebrows, "Yuan Zelai's granddaughter? Brother, you must be mistaken. Yuan Zelai was expelled from the Yuan family and is at odds with the old master. If you marry his granddaughter, the families might feud... Wait, how could Old Master Yuan introduce you to her?" He Yitian sighed, explaining that after He Yiming left, Yuan Zelai died suddenly. Yuan Zeyu, moved by brotherly ties, not only readmitted his family but also had He Quanxin act as a guarantor. To the Yuan family, this was a significant event, but to He Yiming, it was trivial. So, no one bothered him with gossip. Even those wishing to make a fuss couldn’t contact him. Only after returning for three days did he learn what had transpired. After hearing his brother, He Yiming was thoughtful, unsure if Old Master Yuan's decision was prudent. He Yitian continued, "Although their branch was readmitted, they have no power. They’re bound to decline into obscurity. To prevent their extinction, Old Master Yuan selected a direct granddaughter from their branch and an illegitimate daughter of Uncle Yuan." He paused, "Do you understand my meaning?" He Yiming nodded slightly. Should he not grasp it now, he'd be terribly dense. He Yitian, relieved, elaborated, "Old Master Yuan still prioritizes the main family, hence offering Uncle Yuan's daughter to you and Yuan Zelai’s granddaughter to me, hoping for some favor on their part." Hearing the repeated use of "offered," He Yiming felt a twinge of sympathy. Women from great families, despite having no material worries, often sacrificed their marriage prospects for the family's benefit. The weakened Yuan family offering their daughters to a stronger He family was expected. Yet all this stemmed from his attainments in the innate realm. Without that, the Yuan family wouldn't consider this self-humbling gesture. Noticing He Yiming's contemplation, He Yitian quickly seized the moment, "Yiming, you don't need to decide now. Visit Old Master Yuan with me. If you agree, Father won't disapprove." After a pause, touched with deep emotion, he added, "Now, in He Family Village, no one can dispute your choices, not even Grandfather." Considering everything, He Yiming finally realized how significance laid in his innate status and future potential—betting on a young powerful ally now was worth any cost. "Brother, I'll think about it," he replied, knowing the path before him was laden with weighty choices.