Book 2 Chapter 74: Responsibility - Martial God

Chapter 74: Responsibility Two falcons soared above the white clouds, occasionally flying towards the sun and circling around it, turning into two black specks, before spreading their wings and gliding back down, as if they were swimming in the ocean. Suddenly, a whistle rang out from the ground, as if conveying some command. The two falcons banked sharply in mid-air and dove towards the earth, skimmed the ground, and instantly, there was a spray of fresh blood and the mournful cries of a pheasant. Following this, the two colorful pheasants were snatched up by the falcons and carried to a large clearing outside the forest. A contented laugh echoed in the air. Yu Ruiping, the sovereign of Tianluo, laughed heartily. With a wave of his hand, attendants moved forward to care for the hawks that had done him proud. This was the royal park, twenty li from the capital of Tianluo. It included paths leading deep into the mountains and was specifically provided for hunting by the royal family and some noble heirs. Of course, after so many years of hunting, it was rare to find any formidable prey in the gardens. To make a good catch, one had to enter the mountain paths and search deeper regions. Although the current season was not the best time for hunting, Yu Ruiping had still ordered warriors to accompany the visiting prince and princess of Kai Rong, along with the Grand Master Protector. This was closely tied to the martial valor celebrated among the northwestern nations. Seeing the two hunting hawks make the first kill, Yu Ruiping naturally beamed with delight, saying, "Gentlemen, today our esteemed guests from Kai Rong have arrived. Let us welcome them with the most spirited show by our warriors of Tianluo." His voice carried far, audible for several li across the open area. Although his internal energy was not at the peak tenth level, he had about eight levels of power, making his position as ruler, with Shui Xuanjin's support, unshakable. Beside him, a roar of enthusiasm erupted from over a thousand people whose eyes sparkled with eagerness, as if they were already leading the day's hunt. Yu Ruiping turned and said, "Your Highness, will your men participate?" Zhan Zhichao smiled slightly and said, "Since Your Majesty has extended the invitation, let our sons also show their skills." He was evidently prepared, striding forward with four attendants following closely behind. Yu Ruiping's expression shifted slightly, "Your Highness intends to hunt personally?" Zhan Zhichao laughed heartily, "Indeed. Our kingdom of Kai Rong is renowned for martial prowess. As a prince, I should lead by example. How could I miss such a grand event?" Yu Ruiping's face was somewhat stiff. Suddenly, a figure darted forward from not far behind him and bowed deeply, "Father, His Highness is right. I too wish to participate in the hunt." All eyes turned to the speaker, every heart silently nodding. The one who stepped forward was none other than Yu Xiaoyi, the crown prince of Tianluo. Yu Ruiping's expression softened as he looked at her, not hiding the appreciation and admiration in his eyes. "Very well, let the hunt commence. Off you go." With the king's command, countless figures instantly surged towards the distant forest. Beyond the gardens stood tents visible in all directions, temporarily set up for Yu Ruiping and others to use during the hunt. Permanent structures weren't built here supposedly to minimize disturbance to the wildlife. Inside one of these tents, He Yiming held a fragrant cup of milk tea offered by Yuan Lixun. Watching the throng leaving eagerly, he couldn't help but shake his head. Rather than a hunt, this was a spectacle. Humans fear beasts, but beasts equally fear the clamor of humankind, especially when so overwhelming. With so many rushing in at once, any creature with sense would steer clear, unless they ventured deep into the forest entrance. Otherwise, a fruitful hunt was unlikely. His gaze suddenly fixed on two familiar figures among the crowd. His uncle He Quanxin and older brother He Yitian were indeed mingled with the group. Given their capabilities, and his uncle's familiarity with the forest, so long as they didn't encounter spirit beasts, no accidents were expected. And in such a bustling crowd, the presence of spirit beasts would be the true surprise. So He Yiming just glanced at them briefly before withdrawing his gaze, trusting them completely. Turning his attention back to the steam swirling above his tea, his mind was as muddled as these clouds. It had been seven days since he overheard Cheng Fu and others’ conversation, and during these days, He Yiming had been indecisive, yet he hadn't shared any of it with Shui Xuanjin. Now, the hunt had officially begun, and by this time tomorrow, it would end. If nothing unexpected happened, that would also be the moment Cheng Fu issued his challenge. He knew he couldn't delay any longer. Yuan Lixun noticed the hint of confusion in He Yiming's eyes. In their time together, she rarely saw such an expression on him. Inexplicably, a strong urge rose in her heart to erase that lingering confusion. Though reason told her that if even the young master couldn't solve the issue, she surely couldn't either, she still gently asked, "Young Master, is there something on your mind?" He Yiming was taken aback. He turned to find her bright eyes filled with concern, warming his heart. He let out a light sigh, "Yes, there's something I’ve been unable to decide on, and it's quite troubling." Yuan Lixun hesitated and said, "Could you speak about it? Perhaps telling someone might help clear things up." The corners of his mouth lifted slightly. He wanted to speak but stopped himself, internally realizing he didn't want her to know he had eavesdropped on others at the royal estate. If she learned he had done such a thing, would her impression of him diminish? He Yiming smiled wryly, wondering why he had become so sensitive. He shook his head. Yuan Lixun's face showed a hint of disappointment. However, before she could offer further comfort, He Yiming spoke again, "If someone inadvertently did something that caused someone else a huge misunderstanding, potentially leading to dire consequences... but those consequences wouldn’t affect the first person. Should the first person ignore it, or..." He paused, looking at Yuan Lixun, as if seeking an answer from her expression. Yuan Lixun blinked, understanding his cryptic words. When their eyes met, her glance shyly darted away. Her heart pounded with excitement and secret joy—a feeling even she couldn’t fully understand. After several heartbeats, she calmed down. She bit her lip thoughtfully. A blush spread over her cheeks, but her words conveyed unusual firmness. "Young Master, my mother always taught my brother and me that everyone has their responsibilities in life. Some are big, some small. If you act within your ability, that's... enough." He Yiming sat quietly, mulling over her words. Yuan Lixun didn't disturb him, silently watching by his side. She observed a subtle yet profound change in He Yiming’s eyes, as if she might forever fall into their depths. This man, though an innate strong warrior, often gave the impression of a big boy. But it made sense. No matter how advanced his martial skills, he was still a sixteen-year-old. At this age, wouldn’t he be a big boy? Yet, in this moment, He Yiming seemed to undergo a shift, shedding the awkwardness of youth and gaining a man’s responsibility and allure. Yuan Lixun's gaze softened as this scene etched itself into her heart. Finally, He Yiming set down his teacup, nodded earnestly at Yuan Lixun, and said sincerely, "Thank you." "Um…" Yuan Lixun was momentarily stunned, then realized, feeling flustered, as if her deepest secret had been uncovered. Her blush deepened, spreading to her ears and neck, nearly emanating a sweet gentleness. He Yiming's eyes brightened, but having made his decision, he quickly refocused his mind and averted his gaze. He quietly remarked, "You're very right. After all, I am still a person of Tianluo." Then, raising his voice, he called out, "Brother Shui, may I see you for a moment?" His words weren't loud, yet they resonated endlessly, as if whispered into every individual's ear, ensuring everyone heard them clearly. Yuan Lixun was taken aback, her mouth slightly agape. She hadn't expected He Yiming to abruptly summon Shui Xuanjin like this. In the distance, within the tent area of Kai Rong's entourage, Cheng Fu frowned slightly, a sense of unease hovering around him. However, he quickly dismissed the thought; the upcoming challenge was far too critical to allow any distractions. At that moment, nothing else occupied his mind. ※※※※ In a flicker, Shui Xuanjin appeared outside the tent. He strolled in with a pleasant smile and seated himself in front of He Yiming. Without needing any prompts, Yuan Lixun instantly offered him another cup of milk tea. Shui Xuanjin accepted it, drained the cup in one go, and complimented, "This is excellently brewed." Yuan Lixun bowed her head with a smile and said, "Thank you, Grandmaster Shui, for your praise." Gazing outside, Shui Xuanjin sighed, "A century ago, I used to partake in every hunt personally. But now, my enthusiasm has waned, and I find little pleasure in exertions." He Yiming was momentarily caught off guard. "Brother Shui, if you participated, who could possibly rival you? Wouldn't it mean first place every time?" Shui Xuanjin laughed aloud, "Who says that? Though I joined, I never flaunted my prowess. It was merely for fun." He Yiming chuckled, realizing that allowing someone of innate strength to participate in such hunts would indeed be akin to cheating. "Alright, what is the reason you summoned me?" Shui Xuanjin set down his cup and casually inquired. He Yiming also put down his cup, meeting Shui Xuanjin's eyes seriously, "I want to know if Tianluo must pay tribute to Kai Rong each year." With a soft sigh, Shui Xuanjin responded, "Yes, not just Tianluo, but about a third of the smaller northwestern countries must annually pay substantial tributes to Kai Rong." "A third?" He Yiming exclaimed, "The three great powers of the northwest?" Shui Xuanjin nodded gently, "Brother He, focused on martial training, might not know. In the northwest, the three great powers truly reign, with many other nations as their tributaries. To prevent these small nations from significant progress, the great powers impose tributes, requiring us to surrender a fraction of our revenue." He Yiming's brows furrowed, "Can't we resist?" With a bitter smile, Shui Xuanjin replied, "Scattered like sand, it's difficult…" Those few words expressed all his helplessness. Indeed, in the northwest, apart from the three great powers, the other countries range from as large as several counties to as small as a single county, and some even smaller. The three major powers seemed to maintain a mutual understanding, showing no intention of expansion, while the small nations' territories were constantly shifting. Over mere decades, one could see a change in rulers. Even though countries change hands, it often happens peacefully. When a ruling family loses its grip over its nation, a new family rises to replace it, turning the old royalty into a noble family within the country. This peculiar method of succession gave rise to numerous thousand-year-old aristocratic families in the northwest. Of course, such a system existed only in the northwest. If it were in the east's Great Shen or under the rumored rule of the Western Theocracy, the outcomes would be far more brutal. Pondering for a moment, He Yiming, no longer the naive youth he once was, understood the situation better after over a year's experiences. He also sensed there might be an even greater power above the three major nations, one which suppressed any discordant voices, enabling this unique lineage system. Yet, all this was far more than the present He Yiming could grasp. Taking a refreshed sip from his cup, He Yiming seemed to have made a decision, "Brother Shui, you should know my real age, right?" Shui Xuanjin nodded slightly, "Indeed, Brother He, you are just sixteen this year, and achieving the status of an innate grandmaster at such an age is simply unheard of, unparalleled." He Yiming blushed slightly, remarking, "Let's not talk about that now. Let's return to the matter at hand." He met Shui Xuanjin's eyes, composedly saying, "I know you want me to accept the position of National Protector for Tianluo." Shui Xuanjin's eyes brightened immediately, "Indeed, I know such a request might seem burdensome for a genius like you. Yet, as my end draws near, I can't bear to see Tianluo, which is on the rise, decline once more. Thus, I implore Brother He to bear this burden." The elder rose from his seated position and bowed deeply before He Yiming. Despite his age, his back remained straight as he made this gesture without hesitation. He Yiming hurriedly reached out to support him, "Brother Shui, if you agree to one condition, I will accept." Surprised and delighted, Shui Xuanjin's eyes shone. Truthfully, upon learning He Yiming's actual age, he had little hope, similar to how He Quanxin had remained silent on the matter after meeting He Yiming. If it weren't for Shui Xuanjin's awareness of his limited time and great concern for Tianluo's future, he might not have clung to He Yiming like a drowning man clutching at straws, knowing there was little chance of being saved, yet unable to resist grasping tightly. Now, having gained He Yiming's assent, the elder's heart surged with emotion, even dispelling some of the deathly aura clinging to him. He had thought this hope was fleeting and elusive, but upon grasping it, he found it was not a mere straw but a solid log, a vast timber offering redemption to someone as good as drowned. Taking a deep breath, Shui Xuanjin voiced, "As long as Brother He does not ask the Yu family to abdicate, I promise to fulfill any condition on their behalf." With his status in Tianluo, such assurances were within his right. He Yiming nodded slightly, "Brother Shui, I'm still young and wish to travel the world and seek greater martial heights. So, I can't reside in Tianluo long-term like you. My condition is, I can be the National Protector of Tianluo, but I retain the freedom to roam." Shui Xuanjin first paused, then nodded deeply, "You're right, Brother He. With your youth, you'd surely achieve greater heights and shouldn't be tethered to one place." He pondered momentarily, "I have a compromise. How about this?" "Please, Brother Shui, go ahead." "Tianluo, as a tributary to Kai Rong, needs only to ensure the National Protector gains recognition, or apprehension, from them. With this, Tianluo can enjoy uninterrupted peace," Shui Xuanjin spoke gravely, "If you, Brother He, could personally visit Kai Rong and defeat any of their grandmasters as our representative, it would guarantee Tianluo's peace for a decade. Thereafter, as long as you appear once every ten years to challenge and win, no matter where your journeys take you, no one in Tianluo would dare provoke us." He Yiming paused, his face suddenly showing an amusing expression. "So, Brother Shui, you're saying, if one can defeat any grandmaster of Kai Rong, Tianluo can have ten years of peace?" "Exactly," Shui Xuanjin's eyes shone, "After that enlightenment seven days ago, I'm sure your martial prowess has dramatically increased, and even I can't discern your true abilities. So if you'd take action, I believe victory is assured." He Yiming looked towards a particular direction with a smirk, "Why go to such trouble? Isn't there a National Protector from Kai Rong right here?" Shui Xuanjin's face changed instantly, "Brother He, don't act recklessly. Challenging in their grandmaster hall is a right of ours and determines the tribute amounts from each nation. But challenging a Kai Rong grandmaster elsewhere would be seen as a deliberate provocation and could bring catastrophe upon our nation." He paused, "Moreover, although Cheng Fu is young, he is renowned in Kai Rong. He had an awakening experience at the volcanic mouth of the Southern Isles. His strength is unfathomable, so when you visit the grandmaster hall, it's better to face a different opponent." Young indeed? He Yiming chuckled to himself, then said, "What if we do not challenge, and instead their National Protector challenges us?" Shui Xuanjin paused, "If that's the case, then it would naturally be akin to the outcome of a grandmaster hall challenge." He Yiming nodded, a cryptic smile crossing his lips, then lapsed into silence. Shui Xuanjin hesitated for a moment, casting a glance in a particular direction, and seemed to grasp something. ※※※※ A day passed in what felt like the blink of an eye. By noon the next day, the piercing sound of horns shattered the tranquility of the park. The sound was long and far-reaching, with hundreds of horns echoing simultaneously, audible even deep within the mountains. A massive hourglass was placed before the crowd. Once the horns fell silent, a burly man pulled the plug at the bottom, and the sand started streaming down. Moments later, people began returning from the park. Once the horn sounded, everyone in the woods had to return within an hour. Those failing to arrive before the sand ran out would be disqualified from ranking. Venturing deep into the mountains could net better catches, but without sufficient strength, it was impossible to ensure a safe round trip. The first to return were those lacking in ability, unable to venture beyond the park—the young nobles without the skills to enter the mountains. They caught some small game, but nothing that caught anyone’s eye. As time went on, more formidable hunters returned, their captures more dazzling. While no spirit beasts appeared, there was no shortage of fierce creatures. He Yiming inwardly sighed. Hunting such beasts required not only strength but also a certain degree of familiarity with the jungle. Of course, luck played a significant role too. Without it, amidst so many people, one could miss even a rabbit. Suddenly, the crowd stirred as Zhan Zhichao and his companions returned triumphantly. The five of them had captured three ferocious leopards and two fox bears. This achievement drew everyone's attention, demonstrating their formidable prowess by finding such beasts ahead of many experts. Shortly after, Yu Xiaoyi, He Quanxin, and others returned. Though they too had a bountiful hunt, compared to Zhan Zhichao, they slightly fell short, making the citizens of Tianluo uneasy. Yu Ruiping, however, seemed unperturbed, "Your Highness, truly a paragon among men; this hunt is yours to win." From the Kai Rong tent, loud cheers erupted while Yu Xiaoyi and others grew increasingly somber. Suddenly, Zhan Zhichao raised a hand, silencing the jubilation. Then, a tall figure stepped calmly from one of the tents. As soon as this person appeared, they commanded everyone's attention, like a giant sun, perpetually radiating brilliance. He Yiming slightly closed his eyes, his heart entering a serene, undisturbed state. Cheng Fu stepped forward, and with each step, the atmosphere in the park immediately grew tense. Yu Ruiping could no longer maintain his calm demeanor, a gnawing sense of foreboding arising within him. Finally, Cheng Fu halted thirty meters from Yu Ruiping. Raising his head, he locked eyes with Shui Xuanjin, his gaze as dazzling as the sun. "By the invitation of His Majesty of Kai Rong, I, Cheng Fu, wager ten years' tribute from your nation and challenge your National Protector. I seek His Majesty's consent." A hush fell over the entire park, so silent one could hear a pin drop. No one expected Cheng Fu to issue a challenge at this moment—one that couldn't be refused. Everyone understood that if Shui Xuanjin wasn't present, the battle could be postponed. But facing such a challenge, even to the death, retreat was not an option. Shui Xuanjin chuckled softly, not at all surprised, as if he had anticipated it. Under countless gazes, he rose slowly. Though he didn’t radiate the intense presence like sunlight, the moment he stood, a wave of reassurance spread among the citizens of Tianluo. Having defended Tianluo for a century, Shui Xuanjin's reputation spurred near-blind confidence across the nation. Yet, only the king, Yu Ruiping, and Shui Xuanjin's eldest disciple, Xue Lie, bore grim expressions, with clenched fists betraying an unspoken dread. At this juncture, a clear voice, light as a carefree cloud in the sky, rang out. "If it's a fight you want, then a fight you'll have..."