Book 2 Chapter 68: The Galloping Path to Greatness - Martial God

Chapter 68: The Galloping Path to Greatness The vast northwest of the continent is a region where mountains and grasslands coexist. Within a single nation, there can be endless mountain ranges as well as vast plains. The Kingdom of Tianluo is undoubtedly a textbook example of such a country. The capital of the Tianluo Kingdom, however, is built at a location of strategic access. Not far from the capital, small mountain ranges rise and fall. It is only through centuries of development and expansion that it has gradually evolved into the interconnected hub it is today. After a month of travel, He Yi Ming and the others finally arrived at the outskirts of the most crucial metropolis within the Tianluo Kingdom. As He Yi Ming stepped out of the carriage and gazed at the towering city walls, a wave of emotion surged in his heart. If someone had told him three years ago that such colossal changes would occur in this period, so much so that even the royal family of Tianluo would invite him with respect, he would have certainly dismissed it. Yet, everything that transpired over these three years had indeed unknowingly propelled him to a previously unimaginable height. A strong desire to see Shui Xuan Jin swiftly stirred within him. "Mr. Xue," He Yi Ming called out in a clear voice. Xue Lie, who was leading the group, immediately rushed over energetically, shouting from afar, "What are your orders, Master He?" "I wish to meet your master." Xue Lie was taken aback. Wasn’t this visit to the capital to see his master? He, still on horseback, slightly bowed and said, "Rest assured, Master He, we shall enter the city and rest at the royal estate for a day. Tomorrow morning we..." "I wish to see your master right now," He Yi Ming interrupted calmly. A trace of hesitation appeared on Xue Lie's face. Why was He Yi Ming so eager to meet his master? Was there something he was unaware of? He Yi Ming gave him a half-smiling look and said, "Does this mean Mr. Xue refuses to introduce me?" Xue Lie gritted his teeth and said, "Since Master He insists, I shall comply." At this point, Yu Xiao Yi had also been alerted and approached them. Upon hearing He Yi Ming's request, he couldn't help but inwardly smile wryly. He had long known these innate warriors were often unreasonable, initially assuming He Yi Ming was an exception. Now he realized, He Yi Ming simply concealed it better. Gesturing to Xue Lie, Yu Xiao Yi said, "Master He, if you're eager to meet Master Shui, please let Mr. Xue lead the way. As for Mr. He Quan Xin and the others, I'll have the privilege to entertain them. How does that sound?" He Yi Ming pondered for a moment, nodded slightly, and turned his gaze to Xue Lie. Xue Lie had no choice but to ride away from the convoy towards the city gate. With a whistle, He Yi Ming's crimson horse emerged from the group, and he elegantly leapt onto its back. Without needing further urging, the crimson horse closely followed Xue Lie's steed. The longer He Yi Ming spent with the crimson horse, the more he appreciated it. The animal was nearly intelligent, and their partnership grew increasingly harmonious. Such thoughts filled He Yi Ming with gratitude towards Luo Xin, the horse's gifter. He silently vowed to repay her kindness someday. The vibrancy of Tianluo City was unparalleled, far surpassing the town of Taicang and even the capital of Huowu State. Every street was bustling with people, merchants easily visible at every turn. Yu Xiao Yi had once remarked that while Tianluo wasn't as powerful as the three great nations, it was certainly notable in the northwest. Judging by today's experiences, his words weren't overly exaggerated. Along the streets, nearly all pedestrians stayed by the roadside, leaving two empty lanes at the center for horses. Xue Lie galloped along these lanes unobstructed. He Yi Ming quickly realized these lanes were reserved for the powerful and influential. Naturally, only in a city would such lanes be feasible; narrow alleys certainly couldn't afford the luxury. Suddenly, a series of reckless, unchecked laughs echoed from ahead, followed by over twenty fast horses charging forward. Though galloping, Xue Lie maintained a controlled pace due to being in the city. These oncoming riders showed no restraint, however, charging as if this were open fields rather than the capital. The horses seemed on a collision course with Xue Lie's. The face of this peak master of the tenth internal strength level changed, anger surfacing in his eyes. Without visible exertion, he descended from the saddle. His feet landed lightly, and his hands shot out towards the oncoming horses. With astonishing speed, the horses charged forth, only to be met squarely by his palms. In that instant, the leading two horses halted as if hitting an invisible wall, forcibly brought to a stop. Xue Lie's timing and strength were impeccable, infused with a subtle spin. The two steeds toppled but continued snorting, unslain by his restraint. Watching from the side, He Yi Ming heartily admired the feat. For a master of Xue Lie's rank, killing the steeds was simple. But halting them uninjured? That was a challenge of a different order. The riders, skilled practitioners, reacted swiftly despite the suddenness, pressing down on their saddles and leaping into the air. The rest were shocked, hastily reining in their mounts, voicing complaints and curses. He Yi Ming frowned slightly, asking, "Mr. Xue, who are these people?" Xue Lie quickly turned, respectfully explaining, "Master He, please excuse them. They belong to noble families here and tend to act recklessly. They meant no intentional offense." At that moment, an enraged voice rang out, "You two, where are you from to dare block our path? Do you know who we are?" These young nobles weren't foolish. Witnessing Xue Lie's remarkable skill, they knew they were no match and thus refrained from engaging. Instead, they chose to shout from a distance. Xue Lie's expression grew stern. He soared forward with sudden swiftness, reaching the speaker in an instant, delivering eight rapid slaps from all angles. The youth, terrified, tried to avoid them, but found it futile. From any observer's angle, it seemed he leaned into the blows, appearing utterly humiliated. After eight slaps, Xue Lie returned to his spot, his movements as swift and ghost-like as a shadow. By the time the onlookers registered what had happened, the slaps were finished, with Xue Lie back in place, as if he hadn't moved. The beaten noble groaned, blood and a dozen teeth spilling from his mouth. Xue Lie's eight slaps had knocked out the youth’s entire set of teeth. Instantly, the young nobles turned pale, not daring to utter another insult. At that moment, anyone with even a modicum of sense realized they shouldn't provoke further. After the silence settled, He Yi Ming, feeling disinterested, said, "Mr. Xue, shall we continue?" Xue Lie was overjoyed, immediately responding, "Yes." Forgoing his horse, he led it briskly ahead, with the previously aggressive nobles hurriedly making way, even the battered youth clutching his swollen jaw and glaring venomously at Xue Lie. He Yi Ming followed on horseback, passing through the cleared path. Once they were a distance away, a person finally stepped forth, fist cupped, asking, "I am Zi Rui Wen. May I know your name?" Without turning, Xue Lie declared loudly, "I am Xue Lie. Ask your elders if you deserved that beating." The nobles present were momentarily stunned, and their expressions swiftly shifted from resentment to sheer fear upon realization. Zi Rui Wen trembled as he inquired, "Could it be Senior Xue Lie from Shaoming Residence?" Xue Lie laughed heartily, paying no further attention as he continued on his way. Not until He Yi Ming and Xue Lie had departed did the anxiety-filled nobles breathe a collective sigh of relief. Glancing at the young man who had been struck, they shared a sense of lucky escape. That young man clutched his swollen cheek, his eyes filled with terror. Even if he had the courage of two men, he no longer harbored a single thought of revenge. Suddenly, shouts rang out from ahead, and a squad of city soldiers quickly approached. Upon arriving and seeing the nobles on horseback, the squad stopped. Their leader seemed to recognize Zi Rui Wen, immediately stepping forward flatteringly, "Young Master Zi, we heard someone caused trouble. Please point them out so we can capture and severely punish them." Zi Rui Wen and his companions exchanged bemused glances at this sycophantic captain. Though they knew he was being opportunistic, trying to curry favor with the nobles, expecting him to capture Xue Lie was laughable… Zi Rui Wen smiled lightly and asked, "Such enthusiasm from your officer, may I have your name?" The man’s grin became more ingratiating, "This humble one is Zhang San, at your service." Zi Rui Wen pointed in the direction Xue Lie had gone, "The troublemaker went that way." Zhang San's eyes gleamed with ferocity. He waved his hand and ordered, "Come, brothers, let’s apprehend the culprit." The soldiers behind him responded, ready to move with Zhang San. Zi Rui Wen suddenly added, "Captain Zhang, I know that man's identity." Zhang San halted, asking eagerly, "Who is it, Young Master Zi?" "His name is Xue Lie." "Xue Lie, is it? I assure you, regardless of how fierce he is... wait, Xue Lie? That name sounds familiar." Zi Rui Wen kindly reminded him, "You might remember him; he’s from Shaoming Residence." Zhang San's face blanched; he retreated hastily, saying, "Pardon my jest, Young Masters, I shall withdraw." With that, he turned to leave, not uttering another word about arresting anyone. The soldiers exchanged puzzled looks but quickly followed Zhang San's retreating form. Watching his embarrassed departure provided some consolation to those present. Suddenly someone asked, "Zi, who was that person with Xue Lie?" Another speculated, "Perhaps a relative or protege?" "No," the first replied, "Xue Lie seemed exceedingly respectful towards that young man, almost like a junior greeting a senior. Could he truly be a relative?" The second speaker hesitated before arguing, "Given Xue Lie’s status, bowing to a youth seems improbable. You must have been mistaken." The first considered this, wavering, given the chaotic moments and realizing his own uncertainty. Zi Rui Wen’s expression shifted slightly, "This is not good." The crowd inquired why, and Zi Rui Wen could only smile wryly, "I heard about a month and a half ago, Xue Lie traveled to Taicang County with His Highness the Crown Prince." The group’s faces paled, realizing if true, the person with Xue Lie was none other than the legendary young figure reputed to be under twenty years old. Reflecting on how they might have initiated conflict with such an individual moments ago, they were filled with deep regret. Initially setting out for a day of hunting outside the city, now they had lost all heart for such entertainments. Zi Rui Wen shook his head and sighed, "Gentlemen, we can’t conceal this incident. Once home, let us confess to our elders and prepare for the consequences; we may even receive a reprimand or beating." Their expressions turned grim, though they privately cursed their ill fortune for having crossed paths with someone so formidable rather than considering whether galloping recklessly along public roads was wise. ※※※※ "Mr. Xue, you have quite a reputation in the capital of Tianluo, don't you?" He Yi Ming teased with a smile. The earlier incident hadn't angered him, but a little jesting was harmless. Xue Lie looked mildly embarrassed, cautious as he replied, "Master He, it is not my reputation but that of my master." He Yi Ming chuckled, "Those nobles didn’t recognize you. Why is that?" Xue Lie sighed, "Since becoming my master's disciple, I've devoted myself chiefly to cultivation, rarely attending social gatherings. Thus, they don’t know me." He Yi Ming nodded, "What you say makes sense. Achieving martial success requires single-minded dedication." Xue Lie felt a strong sense of agreement. Though he was naturally talented, his accomplishments, being recognized as the foremost none-innate talent in Tianluo, owed much to relentless practice without a day’s relent. After traversing several more streets, the foot traffic dwindled. The terrain rose slightly, forming a small hill. At last, Xue Lie halted as He Yi Ming gazed up, spotting a grand, castle-like structure adorned with the characters 'Shaoming Residence'. As they entered, He Yi Ming surveyed the surroundings. The entire fortress was filled with exquisite pavilions and terraces, harmoniously constructed along the hillside. The walls undulated like waves, encircling a tranquil pond. The setting was natural, serene, and timelessly elegant. He Yi Ming took a deep breath, his heart filling with an unexpected tranquility. Living here long-term might well absolve one of worldly worries, tempting thoughts of withdrawal from mortal concerns. Moreover, his intuition told him that training in such a locale would surely surpass the results possible back at the He family estate. Considering this, he pondered if he should eventually establish a picturesque home of his own, a prospect his family would undoubtedly adore. Though he had yet to formally meet Shui Xuan Jin, his expectations deepened further. Suddenly, He Yi Ming sensed a presence. Glancing toward a pavilion, he noticed a lone figure. Surprisingly, they exuded an aura of profound solitude. Yet as that impression formed, He Yi Ming's gaze shifted—he realized this person seemed merged completely with their surroundings, becoming an intrinsic part of the scenery itself. This was unity with nature, an achieved oneness with the world. Xue Lie intended to guide He Yi Ming further but noticed the master staring intently in one direction, as though he had forgotten his presence. Curious, Xue Lie turned—and saw a familiar figure that explained everything. With a sigh, Xue Lie understood this level of mastery was beyond his life’s reach. Quietly retreating, Xue Lie signaled the attendants to disperse. Meetings between innate warriors were not affairs they ought to intrude upon, so retreating seemed best.