Book 2 Chapter 56: Night Conversations - Martial God

Chapter 56: Night Conversations A sparrow flitted past, its silhouette weaving against the ever-changing white clouds drifting in the azure sky. The verdant plains beneath cast a mosaic of dark forest green and bright emerald, painting a patchwork beneath the heavens. It had been several days since they had left the Yuan Family residence. They had arrived during the New Year festival, rushing to the Yuan estate with urgency. When the eight fierce horses arrived at the Yuan family, seven had already been exhausted to their limits. Now, it was March, and after spending two months thoroughly addressing every affair with the Yuan Family, they were finally on the journey home. This time, they weren't just a mere group of four with eight horses. The Yuan Family had gifted them fifty thousand taels of gold, neatly stacked onto five large carts. Each cart bore a heavy load, close to a thousand jin. Of course, other miscellaneous items were piled atop the gold to disguise their transport. Furthermore, the Yuan Family dispatched an escort team of over a hundred manor servants and retainers to accompany them. Naturally, everyone, including the He Family trio and the Yuan Family entourage, knew that this so-called escort was merely a formality, at most aiding in minor tasks and guard duties along the way. Should they encounter any oblivious bandits on the road, with someone like He Yi Ming, a master of innate realm strength, even He Quan Xin and his son could handle any such threat with ease. After all, from here to Tianluo Kingdom and reaching Taicang County, they traveled along a major thoroughfare. Even the most formidable bandits in Ta County would dare not casually dispatch large forces to this road, lest they provoke the authorities of Tianluo Kingdom to take severe measures against them. As long as any attempted theft wasn't a large-scale operation, these travelers didn't need to concern themselves with a small band of thieves. The convoy consisted of ten carts. Besides the five laden with gold, three carried chests filled with dowry gifts prepared by the Yuan Family for the two young women. The last two carts were for the two Yuan Family maidens themselves. However, the two girls, away from home, felt a shared loneliness and companionship, prompting them to share a single cart for the journey. Leading the procession was He Quan Xin, whose face bore a trace of unhappiness. Though not exactly scowling, his displeasure was evident to even a casual observer. He Yi Tian, despite his jovial nature, dared not show a hint of joy under his stern father's gaze, nor dared he engage in jest with the person in the carriage, leaving him internally anguished and thus, outwardly sullen. Yet, his demeanor unintentionally eased He Quan Xin's suspicion, saving him from potential reprimands or scolding he might otherwise have faced. As the sun started to descend westward, Yuan Li Xuan, riding ahead, glanced at the sky, turned his horse, and said, "Uncle, the day's end approaches, and there's a small town up ahead. Shall we rest there for the night?" Though Yuan Li Xuan was not Yuan Cheng Zhi's biological son, he had thoroughly impressed He Yi Ming and his brother during their time at the Yuan estate. Hence, his standing rose significantly, elevating him to a core disciple within the Yuan Family. He was fully entrusted with overseeing this transport mission. His diligent supervision did not disappoint Yuan Cheng Zhi and the others, organizing everything efficiently and relieving He Quan Xin and his sons of any worry. With such rapport and merit, combined with his sharp acumen, Yuan Li Xuan's future appeared promising once they returned home. He Quan Xin glanced toward the distance and said, "Alright, let’s rest there." With his approval, they all entered the small town and secured the largest inn available for their stay. Particularly, the inn's sole rear courtyard suite was reserved for He Quan Xin and his sons, and the two young ladies from the Yuan Family. Yuan Cheng Zhi had generously allocated enough silver for the journey's expenses, ample for the party to accommodate themselves luxuriously. However, in this small town, even more modest compared to Taicang County, finding a suitably decent courtyard was a fortunate find. Once settled in the rear courtyard and refreshed, a meal was brought to them. After dining, Yuan Li Wen and Yuan Li Xun voluntarily tidied up. Yuan Li Xun's adeptness at these tasks suggested familiarity, whereas Yuan Li Wen appeared less accustomed. Yet, with Yuan Li Xun’s discreet cover, only a keen eye might notice her inexperience. After finishing their chores, they respectfully bade farewell to He Quan Xin and withdrew. This smooth, unintrusive conduct pleased He Quan Xin. Watching them leave, He Quan Xin remarked, “Yi Ming, Yi Tian, in two days we'll reach Taicang County. In three or four days, we'll be home.” Excitedly, He Yi Tian said, “Father, we’ve been away for over two months. Grandpa must be terribly worried. But if he learns that Sixth Brother has already reached the innate realm, his joy would be unimaginable.” A faint smile crossed He Quan Xin’s face. The thought of his father’s likely astonished expression filled him with anticipation. However, when his gaze landed on the room opposite, seeing the other chamber doors, the amusement in his eyes faded somewhat. He Yi Ming exchanged a knowing look with his brother, both sharing a silent sigh. “Uncle, are you unsatisfied with my decision?” He Yi Ming cautiously inquired. He Quan Xin shook his head slightly and said, “Yi Ming, you’ve reached the innate realm. With your strength, it's only fitting to take a concubine, perhaps more than one.” He Yi Ming coughed awkwardly, feeling a bit embarrassed. A rare smile crept onto He Quan Xin's face. “Since you had the courage to ask, be prepared to see it through. Didn’t you already express fondness for Miss Li Xun? Now that she's yours, why the retreat?” He Yi Ming chuckled bitterly, “Uncle, that's not how it is.” He Quan Xin's expression gradually grew serious. “Yi Ming, while I don't oppose your taking a concubine, you shouldn't have made decisions for Yi Tian. He lacks your talent and will never match your potential. If delayed by romance, he might fail to break through the seventh level of internal strength.” He Yi Tian’s demeanor shifted slightly, standing up quickly. “Father, fear not, I will train diligently and strive to surpass the seventh level’s barrier.” He Quan Xin waved him off impatiently. “Nonsense. Breaking the seventh level barrier isn't easy. Look at your second and third uncles—each lingered at that peak for nearly a decade before overcoming it.” He glanced at He Yi Ming. “Do you think you're like Yi Ming, breaking barriers as if it were a trivial matter?” He halted his speech upon realizing words were insufficient to describe He Yi Ming's uncanny ability to surmount barriers as effortlessly as eating. Shaking his head, he prepared to speak again when He Yi Ming interjected with a grin. “Uncle, if you’re worried, I can assure you, Big Brother won’t disappoint.” He Quan Xin’s eyes glimmered with interest. “How can you be so sure?” He Yi Ming explained, “Uncle, remember when Big Brother left He Family Village for the Yuan Family? His internal strength was at the seventh level mid-tier, correct?” “Indeed.” He Quan Xin nodded slightly, being intimately familiar with his son’s progress, unlike He Yi Ming, who exhibited peculiar attributes prompting He Wu De to forbid interference in his training—which was why his true capabilities remained elusive. “And do you recall Big Brother’s battle with Fan Haori at the Yuan Family?” Excitement brewed within He Quan Xin’s heart. How could he forget? Yet, upon further inquiry, he’d learned the reason: He Yi Tian had consumed a Vitality Gold Pill, procured from He Yi Ming. “Yi Ming, you have more Vitality Gold Pills?” “Indeed, not only do I have some, Big Brother still retains a few as well.” He Yi Ming beamed. He Quan Xin turned to He Yi Tian, his face stern. “Yi Tian, why didn’t you tell me?” Flushing slightly, He Yi Tian replied, “Father, Sixth Brother gave me four Vitality Gold Pills. I’ve only used one. But I think it’s rightfully from Sixth Brother, so it should be given to Second Uncle.” Satisfied, He Quan Xin asked, “You plan to hand them directly to your second uncle?” “No.” He Yi Tian solemnly stated. He Quan Xin frowned. “Then what’s your intention?” “I plan to let Yi Xuan use one first, then give the other two to Second Uncle.” He Yi Tian’s voice was resolute, revealing his honest intent: “If directly given to Second Uncle, Yi Xuan might not receive any.” He Quan Xin’s expression gradually softened, a low hum escaping. “You young ones are becoming more insolent, disregarding us elders, making decisions on your own. Hmph…” His expression, despite a somewhat fierce demeanor, was filled with satisfaction. The He Family's third generation’s tendency to think of others and their unwillingness to hog benefits swelled his heart with pride. This sentiment was heightened after witnessing friction between Yuan Ze Yu and Yuan Ze Wei, brothers from the Yuan Family, who were at odds with each other. He placed immense value on harmony among brothers. He Yi Ming, perceptive as ever, quickly caught on to his uncle's sentiments and promptly said, "Uncle, do you believe me now? As long as we have the Vitality Gold Pills, not to mention Big Brother taking just one concubine, even if he takes seven or eight more, it wouldn’t be a problem." As he finished speaking, he looked earnestly at his uncle, but the mischievous gleam in his eyes was unmistakable. He Quan Xin looked at him, torn between amusement and helplessness, surprised that his earlier reprimand had been turned back on him so swiftly. Shaking his head, he began, “Yi Ming, you really…” Suddenly, a clamor emerged from outside. Although the noise wasn't particularly loud, it couldn't escape the keen ears of He Yi Ming and He Quan Xin. Moments later, He Yi Ming’s brows furrowed slightly, and he said, “It’s our people.” At nearly the same time, He Quan Xin commented, “It’s someone from the Yuan Family.” Though their words differed, their meanings aligned. Outside, a dispute involved someone from the Yuan Family entourage traveling with them. He Yi Tian’s expression shifted. He exchanged glances with his father and sixth brother, a mutual astonishment evident. Given this was a major road, devoid of large bandit groups, such a sizeable convoy of over a hundred was quite uncommon. Without a certain degree of power, how could anyone casually assemble such a group? Moreover, Yuan Cheng Zhi was tactful this time, choosing only exemplary retainers and servants. The Yuan Family's foundation of over a century far surpassed the current He Family. Even the most modest family servants possessed internal strength at or above the fifth level, not to mention that most retainers were beyond the sixth level. Although not comparable to illustrious families with millennia of heritage, this convoy was undeniably a well-trained one. Yet, an altercation within the inn suggested something unusual. He Yi Tian suddenly stood, saying, “I’ll go check it out.” By hierarchy, it should have been He Yi Ming stepping forward; nevertheless, neither He Quan Xin nor He Yi Tian viewed him as an ordinary member of the He Family's third generation anymore. Thus, this situation naturally fell to He Yi Tian to handle. He Yi Ming hesitated for a moment, "Big Brother, Yuan Li Xuan hasn’t stepped out yet." He Quan Xin nodded in agreement, “Indeed, let’s wait a bit longer.” Yuan Li Xuan’s effective coordination had won their trust and favor throughout the journey. Handling this matter in his absence might undermine the authority he had just established. He Yi Tian had no objections, though moments later, the commotion outside not only failed to lessen but grew louder. He Yi Ming's brow furrowed deeper, and even He Yi Tian could sense the intense, unsettling aura radiating from his sixth brother. However, he understood this was a controlled demeanor from his brother. If unleashed fully, the formidable aura he displayed during the battle against Lu Xin Wen would instill fear in anyone. He Quan Xin suddenly snorted disdainfully, “Unbelievable.” He Yi Tian blinked in confusion, “Father, what’s happening?” Even at the peak of the seventh level, he struggled to discern specifics from the indistinct hubbub beyond the door. He Yi Ming tugged at him slightly, explaining, "Big Brother, several newcomers outside are demanding we vacate this inn’s best accommodations. They're willing to pay twice the price for it.” An icy smile appeared on his lips as he continued, “They claim they won't stay without proper compensation.” He Yi Tian huffed in dissatisfaction. Anyone encountering such a predicament en route would indeed feel displeased. “Moreover, Yuan Li Xuan has already intervened. He hasn't provoked them but simply informed them the courtyard is occupied, including womenfolk. He offered to vacate his best room instead.” He Yi Ming continued. He Yi Tian marveled, “When did Li Xuan become so accommodating? It seems atypical.” He Quan Xin chuckled, “It’s not that he’s become accommodating. With us here, alongside carrying valuable goods, he seeks to avoid unnecessary trouble. Besides, this is not Zheng Tong County in Jinlin. The Yuan Family is isolated here, and the assertive newcomers likely have a significant background.” Nodding, he affirmed, “Li Xuan is sensible, showing potential for growth.” If Yuan Li Xuan knew how his offer to yield rooms had impressed He Quan Xin, he’d surely reflect on his stroke of fortune. He Yi Ming's expression suddenly darkened, “A fight has broken out.” He Quan Xin and his son appeared momentarily startled, only then did the noise from outside escalate, mixed with shouts of alarm. They were both shocked at He Yi Ming’s ability to discern the altercation before any exchange had occurred. More astonishing was that even from this distance, he could fully grasp the distant situation. At this moment, both gained a greater understanding of an innate expert's capabilities and held deeper awe and respect for He Yi Ming. He Quan Xin stood, “Let’s have a look.” Both brothers responded affirmatively. This situation having arisen from their residence, staying hidden would seem cowardly. Before leaving the courtyard, He Yi Ming paused, casting a glance to the opposite chamber. A pair of bright eyes peered from a window crevice, observing them intently. Upon making eye contact with He Yi Ming, those eyes flashed with panic only to swiftly regain composure and retreat from sight. Turning back, He Yi Ming chuckled inwardly and quickened his pace, silently closing the gap to his brother without alerting He Quan Xin or He Yi Tian. In the adjacent room separated by a single wall, Yuan Li Xun's gaze bore a tinge of regret as she stared at Yuan Li Wen, who was softly focused on her embroidery. She envied her sister’s tranquility. Had she possessed such composure, maybe she wouldn’t have succumbed to curiosity, leading to He Yi Ming catching her gaze. Sensing Li Xun’s stare, Yuan Li Wen looked up, threading her needle through a strand of hair, gently smoothing it out. “Sister, what troubles you?” Yuan Li Xun hesitated before asking, “Sister, how do you manage to remain so composed during this journey?” Yuan Li Wen gave her a thoughtful look, seemingly contemplating, before finally answering, “I have nowhere to escape, so I must be composed.” With that, she resumed her earnest stitching. Yuan Li Xun opened and closed her mouth, saying nothing, but in her heart, she asked herself: Do I have an escape...