Volume 2 Chapter 63: Division in the Family - Martial God

Chapter 63: Division in the Family In the main hall of the He family estate, the three brothers, He Wude and He Quanxin, sat quietly in their chairs. He Yitian and his brother entered together, and with a quick glance, they saw Yuan Liwen and Yuan Lixun standing timidly in the hall, as if they were daughters-in-law meeting their in-laws for the first time. He Yitian's expression shifted slightly but quickly returned to normal. His eyes held a hint of concern, as he wasn't sure how his grandfather, He Wude, would treat Yuan Liwen. In contrast, He Yiming's face was somewhat flushed. Despite being the acknowledged top martial artist in He family village, his lack of experience in certain areas left him feeling particularly awkward in this moment. He Wude nodded slightly to his grandsons and then spoke, “Yiming, sit down as well.” He Yiming paused, glanced at his elder brother, and seeing no disapproval from him, nodded slightly and sat down on the last chair available. As for He Yitian, he stood steadfastly by his father He Quanxin's side without needing any prompting. At this point, He Yitian felt no jealousy towards Yiming. The gap between innate and post-innate martial arts was more than just physical strength; it transformed a person's aura after breaking through. In He family village, witnessing He Yiming’s martial prowess had made any feelings of jealousy seem insignificant. Yuan Liwen and Yuan Lixun exchanged a quick glance, both feeling deeply stirred. In a noble family, the sixth son having a stature surpassing that of the eldest son and grandson was not typical. Yet in the He family, it seemed accepted as the norm. Yuan Liwen furrowed her brow slightly, a concealed worry bubbling up as a thought nagged at her mind. However, she hid it well and, with her gaze lowered, kept her concerns unnoticed. The thoughts of the two women differed, but they stood side by side, poised and composed under the scrutiny of the elders, showing no sign of retreat or confusion despite internal anxiety. He Wude and the others didn’t trouble them too much, only posed a few questions and gave simple instructions. The elder, stroking his beard in a manner that emanated authority without anger, said, “You are daughters from the Yuan family, and entering the He family as concubines is a burden. But let me say this: the He family isn’t a grand, imposing family, and our household rules aren’t numerous. Stay here with confidence. From now on, you will accompany Yitian and Yiming. Their daily lives will need your care, and I trust you with this responsibility.” Both Yuan Liwen and Yuan Lixun bowed deeply, replying, “This is the duty of the granddaughters-in-law. Please rest assured, grandfather.” When He Wude expressed acceptance and assured the absence of expected stringent rules, they relaxed slightly, understanding that becoming fully integrated into this family required their future efforts. He Wude waved a hand, saying, “Yitian, take your wife to meet Yanli.” He Yitian's face reddened slightly as he responded, “Yes, grandfather.” He stepped forward, gesturing subtly to the slightly bewildered Yuan Liwen. She nodded and followed him with delicate steps, offering a courtesy as they left. Once outside the courtyard, Yuan Liwen suddenly stopped. He Yitian turned, gently gripping her hand, and soothingly said, “Liwen, are you worried about Yanli?” Yuan Liwen hesitated, feeling the warmth of his hand, and a sense of reliance emerged within her. While it wasn't love at first sight, she understood that this man was her pillar for the latter half of her life. It wasn’t just her; this applied to her parents and family members as well. “Sir, will Sixth Uncle inherit the position of head of the family?” she asked softly. He Yitian was taken aback, then chuckled, “Impossible.” “Why? Sixth Uncle is an innate martial artist.” “Precisely because he is an innate martial artist, he can’t be the head of the He family.” His gaze was complex, showing both relief and a trace of unspoken regret. Yuan Liwen furrowed her delicate brows slightly, asking, “Why?” “It’s simple—He family village can't keep him.” Upon saying this, both He Yitian and Yuan Liwen felt an inexplicable sense of relief. They walked in silence, occasionally sharing a glance, gradually developing a sense of mutual understanding. Reaching Yitian's personal residence, they simultaneously halted. Yuan Liwen looked up at the beautiful scenery inside, untouched by the calamity that had befallen most of Taicang County during the robbers’ incursion. When she agreed to marry He Yitao, she anticipated facing this hurdle, yet when the moment arrived, a pang of bitterness lingered. She knew, however, it was inevitable. Listening to the youthful voice within, the faces of her family flashed before her eyes, filled with guilt and relief. Her heart ached, yet her gaze softened. She stepped forward, entering the house. “Younger sister Yuan Liwen, pays respect to elder sister…” *** After watching Yitian and Liwen leave, He Wude's expression softened, and he said, “Yiming.” He Yiming immediately leaned forward in his seat, “Yes, grandfather?” He Wude smiled warmly, “Yiming, I didn’t think you’d grow up and choose a wife for yourself.” He Yiming’s facial muscles twitched slightly. Seeing the peculiar expressions of his uncles, he felt awkward. In this instant, he realized the prestige of being an innate martial artist didn’t help much in familial matters. He hadn’t considered that if he weren’t an innate martial artist, he couldn’t have accepted Yuan Lixun. Not only would He Wude disapprove, but even passing He Quanxin and his brothers’ scrutiny would be difficult. “Grandfather, you jest,” he replied after a long pause, feeling sheepish. He Wude was heartened, laughing heartily, “Yiming, now that you have a wife, you can’t live in your old quarters anymore.” He Yiming hesitated before nodding slightly. His elder brother He Yitian had moved to a private courtyard after his marriage, leaving his old quarter as his training room. He Wude, as if having already decided, asked, “Quan Yi, how's the west wing coming along?” He Quanyi grinned, “Father, rest assured, it’s been prepared for three days now.” “Good. From now on, the west wing is Yiming’s,” He Wude declared, turning to Yuan Lixun, “Lixun, Yiming will still focus his energy on martial arts, so managing the household chores falls on you. I’ll have some people teach you.” Yuan Lixun’s cheeks flushed as the elder’s teasing remarks echoed in her mind. She hurriedly responded, “Thank you—I will fulfill your expectations.” He Yiming glanced at her, noticing her blushing, delicate appearance, and felt an inexplicable stirring. However, he quickly suppressed this emotion. Disturbing his steadfast heart was no easy task. He Wude nodded approvingly, “Yiming, from now on, two-tenths of the estate's land is yours. Also, take half of the fifty thousand taels from this harvest, and you'll receive half of the profits from the Jinlin Yuan family’s earnings.” He Quanxin and his brothers maintained their smiles, as if already aware of this arrangement. However, internally, they acknowledged the elder’s wisdom in safeguarding the family's future. Though He Yiming was born of the He family, he couldn’t ignore the family's troubles. Yet the elder thought ahead. When those of the older generation and peers were gone, would He Yiming still support the family unconditionally? Precaution was necessary. The patriarch of the Taicang Xu family served as a warning. He Yiming was slightly taken aback, “Grandfather, why would I need so much?” He Wude waved dismissively, “I’ve made up my mind; that's final.” He Yiming opened his mouth but, hearing his grandfather’s decisive tone, swallowed back his words. He Wude finally smiled with satisfaction, saying, "You've traveled a long way, and you must be tired. Yiming, go ahead and rest." He Yiming quickly got up, leading Yuan Lixun away as if escaping from the elders’ amused gazes. After they left, He Wude chuckled softly, "I thought he had truly grown up, but he’s still just a kid at heart." He Quanxin and his brothers joined in the lighthearted laughter. Nevertheless, He Wude’s words were more in jest. Anyone who witnessed the transformation in He Yiming after his morning breakthrough would never associate him with an ordinary youngster again. *** The west wing was among the finest residences in the He family estate. Neither the courtyards where He Quanxin and his brothers lived nor He Wude's personal residence could compare in quality to the west wing. After being meticulously prepared, the place appeared even more exquisite. However, to He Yiming and Yuan Lixun, it was just fine, given their broader perspectives were beyond what the decades-old He family village could offer. Upon entering the courtyard, more than a dozen attendants came forward. These were handpicked by He Wude, each exceptionally capable, showing his careful attention to their needs. Among these helpers was, surprisingly, a steward to manage accounts. All of He Yiming's possessions were overseen by this steward until Yuan Lixun became familiar with the processes, after which he would leave the west wing. After meeting them, He Yiming waved them away. These were all long-standing employees, each proven and trustworthy. It was no surprise that He Yiming's current status demanded familiar, reliable attendants. When Yuan Lixun found herself alone with He Yiming, she became visibly nervous, her cheeks reddening further. Yet He Yiming didn’t notice, focused on instructing her instead. “Lixun, though grandfather has given these assets to me, I don’t need them. Learn the accounts and find an excuse to send these gold pieces to Third Uncle. Our estate is still newly established and doesn’t need such extravagance. As a martial artist, money is simply a resource—having thousands of gold taels isn't necessarily beneficial.” Having said his piece, He Yiming didn’t hear a response as expected. He turned back, only to find Yuan Lixun staring at him, her face flushed. He Yiming scratched his head, an old habit resurfacing during moments of awkwardness, something he hadn’t done in a long time. Yuan Lixun shyly lowered her gaze and, almost whispering, said, “Yes, I will remember, young master.” A chill ran down He Yiming's spine. While understanding Yuan family's stricter customs compared to the He family, such formal address felt strange to him. As Yuan Lixun looked around, she felt a twinge of nostalgia. In the Yuan household, such moments would have prompted an attendant to serve tea and offer warm towels. At the He family’s, no one seemed aware of such etiquette. She went to the kitchen herself, fetched hot water, brewed tea, and prepared warm cloths, personally attending to him. He Yiming's gaze followed her. Watching her efficiently manage everything, particularly when she handed him the warm towel, his heart skipped a beat, captivated by her grace. *** Life in He family village returned to normal. Aside from He Yiming moving to the west wing, becoming the only third-generation family member besides He Yitian to have independent quarters, nothing else changed. Night descended, bringing quiet over the village, with most residents drifting into dreams. In the side room of the Scripture Pavilion, He Laibao suddenly stood tall, his bent frame straightening. A surge of powerful energy emanated from him, his eyes flashing sharply towards the sealed window. Somehow, a shadow had silently appeared outside. “Who…” he demanded in a loud voice. As He Quanxin had recently returned from the Yuan family in Jinlin, he wasn’t staying here but rather resting in his own quarters, leaving He Laibao as the sole guardian of the pavilion. The sudden appearance of the shadow outside was deeply unsettling. Though he couldn't determine who would dare infiltrate the estate, it had to be someone unusually bold, considering it was a stronghold of an innate martial artist. A familiar coughing sound relaxed He Laibao immediately. He allowed his back to slouch once more, went to the door, and opened it with slight reproach, “Old Master, also sneaking around like Yiming now?” Since He Yiming achieved his innate state, visiting the library went unnoticed by He Laibao. And now, He Wude was the same, making He Laibao feel somewhat old and useless. He Wude laughed heartily, entering the room with ease, taking a seat. With a flick of his wrist, he placed a jade bottle on the table. “Laibao, I came to give you the Golden Elixir,” He Wude said firmly, “and you must accept it.” He Laibao was taken aback, realizing it had been decades since the elder spoke to him with such authority. Smiling ruefully, he said, “Old Master, truthfully, it’s not that I don’t want to take the elixir, but rather I fear.” “What are you afraid of?” He Wude asked, puzzled. With a serious expression, He Laibao explained, “Old Master, if you had an innate Golden Elixir, would you take it?” He Wude hesitated, “I don’t know.” He Laibao sighed, “Old Master, we’re both too old. Our bodies are declining. Taking a Golden Elixir might not help us break through but instead pose a life-threatening risk.” He Wude chuckled softly, “Laibao, before today, I had no counterargument for your reluctance because I couldn’t guarantee your survival against the elixir's potency. But now, there’s a solution.” He flicked his wrist again, producing another jade bottle, placing it on the table, “This is the Vitality Elixir Yiming brought back. Take one, and after recuperating for a couple of months, you’ll be ready to take the Extreme Elixir, greatly increasing your chances of reaching the peak tenth level.” He Laibao’s eyes sparkled with excitement, “A Vitality Elixir? Sixth Young Master found this?” He Wude smiled wryly, “Yiming defies common sense.” After a moment of hesitation, He Laibao nodded, accepting the young master’s exceptional nature. He Wude spoke gently, “Laibao, take the elixirs, advance to the tenth level. Then we’ll take Yiming back to the mountains. We’ll show them that even outside of Heng Mountain, we’re as formidable as ever.” He Laibao responded with conviction, a youthful gleam lighting his eyes. Outside the Scripture Pavilion, a shadow scratched its head and vanished before either elder noticed. In He Yiming's mind, a question simmered: Heng Mountain? Is there such a place...?