Book 2 Chapter 70: The Five Great Seals - Martial God

Chapter 70: The Five Great Seals He Yi Ming stepped as if treading on cotton, producing not the slightest sound. Having taken just a few steps, he found himself once again outside the study. The study door was ajar, and before he even entered, He Yi Ming spied Yuan Li Xun standing at the desk, pen in hand, sketching something. Intrigued, he opted not to interrupt her. With a subtle sway of movement, he positioned himself silently behind her. Spread open on the table was a book detailing exercises for cultivating inner energy, accompanied by vivid illustrations. Yuan Li Xun was copying everything from the book onto a separate piece of paper. Her handwriting was elegant and pleasing, but what truly astonished He was the accuracy of her drawings. They were exact replicas of the originals, with no deviation, not even in the subtlest details. At a glance, He realized Yuan Li Xun's skill in drawing far exceeded his own, and her meticulous observation was exceptional. Compared to her, He's calligraphy and illustration skills were rudimentary at best. Suddenly, He's gaze shifted slightly, landing on Yuan Li Xun's neck. The exposed skin of her neck was as white as snow, reminiscent of marble carved to perfection, compelling enough to provoke a desire to touch it. Her well-proportioned shoulders swayed gently in rhythm with the pen in her hand. She was so immersed in her task that she failed to notice anyone observing her. Her complete absorption radiated an inexplicable intellectual allure, even leaving He a bit entranced. As Yuan Li Xun moved slightly, she lifted a sheet of paper she had finished copying and gently placed it at the corner of the desk. Her toes subtly lifted, her waist bending slightly, outlining a graceful arc right before He's eyes. As her elbow seemed about to graze him, He instinctively moved back. For some reason, he found himself deeply enjoying this moment, reluctant to disturb the woman engrossed in copying the martial manual. In an instant, He realized he was unwittingly using a breathing technique that made his presence undetectable, even if he stood directly behind her. Blushing slightly, he thought to himself: could he have a penchant for stealthily observing others? Yuan Li Xun lowered her head again, turning the page of the unfolding manual, and resumed copying. He stood silently behind her, observing her every move. He didn't know why he did this, but it felt as though something within him had been gently stirred. Eventually, Yuan Li Xun set down her pen, her cheeks slightly flushed, a satisfied smile appearing on her face. He suddenly awakened from his trance, and in a swift, silent movement, he left the room like a ghost. Sensing something, Yuan Li Xun looked up, glancing around, but couldn't find any trace of He Yi Ming. She shook her head slightly, attributing it to the fatigue from her focused copying. Outside the study in the hallway, He applied a bit more force to his steps, creating a faint sound. Though Yuan Li Xun was a fifth-level inner strength practitioner, which He didn't take seriously, the deliberate extra weight on his steps ensured she would notice. Indeed, by the time He returned to the study doorway, Yuan Li Xun had everything organized and stood there smiling, awaiting his arrival. "What are you doing?" He asked, feigning ignorance. "Master, I noticed you were halfway through copying this book before visiting Lin Gong Zi, so I took the liberty of finishing it for you," she replied softly, lowering her head slightly. Over time, they had come to understand each other. Yuan Li Xun knew that although He was a formidable innate practitioner, he was quite approachable. This understanding encouraged her to help him by copying the manual. He nodded slightly, approaching the desk in feigned interest. Yet, when his eyes fell on the pages, his face flushed slightly for real. The earlier part was his own work. Compared to what Yuan Li Xun had done afterward, his attempts were rather lacking. Yuan Li Xun's gaze also drifted to the two sections, her expression shifting slightly with apprehension. After a moment, He took the part he had copied and, with a gentle rub of his hands, reduced it to a wisp of smoke that he blew effortlessly into the wastebasket at the room's corner. Yuan Li Xun's eyes widened in surprise, filled with admiration. The mastery required to perform such a feat was nothing short of magical. He picked up the papers Yuan Li Xun had copied, and she tensed slightly, unsure of his intentions. "Your penmanship and illustrations are excellent; who taught you?" He inquired. Relieved, she quickly replied, "I practiced with my brother under the guidance of elders in our family." "Your brother?" He blinked, a cold sweat forming. Despite months of acquaintance, he hadn't known she had a brother. "Yes, my biological brother." Her expression turned somber, indicating her brother held significant importance in her heart. He felt a fleeting, inexplicable agitation, yet swiftly suppressed it. "What's his name, and how does he fare in the family?" Her eyes flickered with a nostalgic gleam, her soft voice airy as she spoke, "My brother is a delightful child. He is called Yuan Li Xiang, and in the family..." She hesitated before continuing, "I imagine his life is good now." He Yi Ming, although inexperienced in worldly matters, understood the underlying implication. "Is it possible he's not well?" With uncertainty, Yuan Li Xun replied, "Perhaps not before, but surely he is better now." She looked up with a determined glint, declaring, "As long as I serve faithfully by your side, his life will be ensured." He nodded slightly, glancing at the manual on the desk. "Copy this book again," he instructed. As he reached the door, he paused, adding, "Your skills are exceptional. From now on, any manuals I acquire will be copied and organized by you. Do not make any mistakes." Startled, Yuan Li Xun seemed to grasp something, immediately bowing her head, her response almost a whisper, "Yes, Master." In the past, addressing him as "Master" felt matter-of-fact, given her resigned circumstances. Yet today, it stirred an unexpected feeling within her. A quick blush shot across her face, and when she lifted her head, He Yi Ming was already gone. She stared forward blankly for a while before turning back to the desk, carefully recopying the first part of the Wind Listening Ear manual. This time, the process took twice as long, marred by three errors. When she finally finished copying and organizing everything, her face felt noticeably warm. His words lingered in her mind—could it be considered a promise? Suddenly, she pressed a hand to her flushed face, puzzled by her own reaction. ※※※※ In his room, He retrieved the manual Lin Tao Li had given him. His eyes fell upon it, yet a lingering distraction gnawed at him. He took a deep breath, channeling his formidable willpower to swiftly regain focus. In just a breath, his mind was fully composed. He placed both books on the table and began turning pages, comparing them meticulously to ensure there were no discrepancies. In no more than half an hour, he confirmed that the two manuals were identical, even down to the illustrations. The dedication of the person who copied it was evident. Storing the original, he meticulously reviewed the copied version. This time, he carefully examined the contents, which detailed five seal techniques. Three were earth-based: Earth-Suppressing Seal, Heaven-Inverting Seal, and Sky-Supporting Seal. Two were water-based: Flowing Water Seal and Cloud Rain Seal. As he read the names of these techniques, excitement gleamed in He's eyes. He Yi Ming had secretly learned parts of the Earth-Suppressing Seal and Cloud Rain Seal from Lin Tao Li, and, incorporating his own characteristics, developed a versatile technique called the Hidden Needle Seal, which was both offensive and defensive. Yet, after advancing to an innate level and using this technique numerous times, he felt something was missing. Especially after his epiphany on the mountain summit when he created the Cloud Rain Soaring Technique, this sense of incompleteness became more pronounced. He had always wanted the opportunity to study the original versions of these seals, and now, his wish was finally granted. Reading through the original techniques in the manual, He meticulously observed every bit, constantly comparing it to the imagined transformations in his inner energy. After a long while, He abruptly stood up, remaining rooted in place with his feet. He raised his hands smoothly in front of him, which began to change suddenly. Initially, the movements were so rapid that they left faint afterimages, making them impossible to follow. However, as his familiarity with the movements grew, His pace surprisingly slowed. What started at an eightfold or even sixteenfold speed, had now become an exercise in slow motion of the same multipliers. Every action seemed deliberate, as though he had to contemplate each move individually, giving an uncanny impression of a stubborn old ox pulling a dilapidated cart. Simultaneously, a solid, earth-like aura emerged from him. Though his movements were slow, they were incredibly refined and skillful, his hands forming an unyielding moving fortress before him akin to an immortal Great Wall. Were any Lin family members to witness He's current demonstration, they'd be in awe. For what He was performing was the Earth-Suppressing Seal—genuine and of innate-level sophistication. This technique was not one for mere acquired cultivators to unleash its true might. In Lin Tao Li’s hands, and now here with He, the demonstrated power represented two vastly different realms. Suddenly, as He's wrist trembled, a seal formation abruptly paused. In that instant, the invisible fortress before him dissolved like smoke. With a gentle sigh, He Yi Ming formed a wry smile. He realized he hadn't completely mastered this technique. Innate techniques require not only the manipulation of innate energy but also an understanding of their deeper essence. Without grasping this essence, even with immense energy, one cannot unleash the true power of such techniques. Although He's physique was unique, it remained underdeveloped, resulting in mistakes during the Earth-Suppressing Seal practice. Frowning slightly, He pondered deeply, realizing the profound depth of this seal. Completely understanding it seemed as challenging as mastering his Cloud Rain Technique. He inwardly sighed, finally understanding why Shui Xuan Jin repeatedly warned him: "Bite off more than you can chew." Indeed, it was sound advice. Yet, he was unaware that revealing his speed in learning the Earth-Suppressing Seal would astound many innate experts. To successfully form a cohesive energy wall on a first attempt was beyond the reach of most innate experts, even prodigies focused on earth-system techniques. With another sigh, He's hands began moving again, but this time, he formed the Cloud Rain Seal, a technique elusive and ethereal. Hand seals flowed gracefully as if in a seamless dance, uninterrupted by any obstacles. His eyes shone with intensity, dedicating himself wholly to the technique. Slowly, his feet moved too, treading wondrous steps within the constrained room. With the hand seals and steps in synergy, He seemed to vanish, the room filling with a shifting mist. Suddenly, He sensed a breakthrough—insight into the key connecting martial arts and the essence of cloud and rain. For some time, he attempted to integrate his comprehension of clouds and rain into his martial arts. Despite his efforts, success eluded him. Even though he could integrate them with the great broadsword, he couldn't infuse them into his martial techniques as one. Yet today, after thoroughly reviewing the Cloud Rain Seal manual, an epiphany dawned upon him. He sensed he was close to reaching the moment of enlightenment he had experienced before. Just a touch more effort, and he could reenter that enlightened state. In that state, he would certainly merge the cloud and rain essence into his martial arts, as with the great broadsword. However, just as he neared perfection in his series of seals, his movements halted. He realized there was a slight conflict between his Cloud Rain Soaring Technique and the accompanying Cloud Rain Seal footwork. One was agile and fast, likened to raindrops, boundless and overwhelming, reminiscent of the subtleties of mountain winds and gentle rains—seemingly soft but covering every corner instantly. The other was unpredictable, akin to the ever-changing clouds in the sky, formless. Yet, this formlessness allowed maximum power when combined with the Cloud Rain Seal. He could clearly feel that if these two techniques merged, their potency would increase exponentially. But merging two different innate techniques was far from simple. Moreover, they seemed compatible, yet a critical key was missing for their union. With a soft sigh, He put away the manuals, his mind a swirl of countless thoughts. The more he practiced, the greater his concerns grew. He pushed open the door and casually exited the room, his ears twitching. With a swift movement, he appeared outside. Standing there was a familiar figure pacing anxiously. Upon seeing He suddenly appear, the person expressed delight, exclaiming, "Master He, you're finally out." He Yi Ming smiled slightly, "Mr. Xue, do you have pressing matters for me?" Xue Lie nodded repeatedly, "Master He, envoys from Kai Rong Nation have arrived in Tian Luo City. After an audience with His Majesty, they requested to meet our country's Grand Protector. His Majesty agreed, granting a national banquet at noon tomorrow in the palace, requesting your presence." He Yi Ming asked in astonishment, "Are these individuals particularly special?" "Indeed, among them are the Third Prince Zhan Zhi Chao and Fifth Princess Zhan Zhi Yan of Kai Rong, and also…" He hesitated, cautiously adding, "accompanied by a Grand Protector from Kai Rong." He's eyes lit up, "Who is it?" "Cheng Fu, he has been at the innate level for twenty years, a leading figure among the new generation of innate experts," Xue Lie expressed concern, "Master He, you've met my master and know his health situation. Now with Cheng Fu's sudden visit, I worry..." He waved a hand, "I understand. Mr. Xue, please inform your master that I also wish to meet the innate master from Kai Rong and seek his permission for me to accompany him tomorrow." Xue Lie stepped back, silently bowing deeply…