Book 2 Chapter 76 – The Realm of Dispersed Harmony - Martial God

Chapter 76 – The Realm of Dispersed Harmony In the courtyard of Shaoming Residence, there was a small bamboo grove. As a gentle breeze swept through, the bamboo swayed lightly, producing rhythmic sounds that echoed like a melodious symphony. Since returning here, a smile hadn't left Yuan Lixiang's face. Her gaze upon He Yiming was tinged with a barely perceptible admiration. Before today, although she'd heard many talks about He Yiming's martial skills, and even the rumored tale of his legendary feat of defeating two thousand people with a single strike, these were all second-hand accounts. As the saying goes, seeing is believing. Only by witnessing He Yiming's formidable superhuman innate martial might first-hand did she truly comprehend the extraordinary power this young man possessed. If prior to today, due to growing accustomed to his presence and time spent together, she'd developed a vague fondness for him, then after today's battle, that feeling had become even more distinct. Holding the hot milk tea that she offered, He Yiming, appearing somewhat mature beyond his years, inexplicably asked, “Why are you smiling?” Yuan Lixiang's face flushed slightly, and she softly shook her head, “I'm not smiling.” He Yiming took a sip, thinking to himself: Lying to my face. However, he was quickly amused by another thought: She actually looks quite beautiful when she smiles. A hearty laugh entered the room, and Shui Xuanjin's figure flickered at the doorway, quickly appearing beside He Yiming. He Yiming chuckled, “Brother Shui, I already spent the whole previous night drinking with you. Isn't that enough?” Shui Xuanjin shook his head and said, “Little brother, I was just so happy last night. There are still a few matters I need to discuss with you.” Yuan Lixiang quickly stepped back and said, “Master Shui, please have a seat. I'll make you some tea.” This was clearly just an excuse, indicating to both of them that she wouldn’t eavesdrop on their conversation. He Yiming frowned slightly, “The milk tea here is quite good. There's no need for anything special.” Yuan Lixiang's heart warmed at this, subtly sensing that He Yiming didn't mind her presence here. She lowered her head, softly replied, and poured a cup of milk tea from the pot on the stove, placing it on the table before Shui Xuanjin. Taking a sip, Shui Xuanjin smiled and commented, “Very good. No wonder He Yiming cherishes you so.” Yuan Lixiang's blush deepened, while He Yiming cleared his throat to change the topic, “Brother Shui, what matters do you wish to discuss?” Shui Xuanjin looked at He Yiming seriously, “I didn't realize before today that not only have you mastered the arts of wind, rain, and mist, but you also have a profound understanding of the metal element.” He nodded slightly, “If I’m not mistaken, you didn't cross this threshold by consuming an innate Gold Pill, but by using the internal fusion of metal and water.” He Yiming gave a slight nod, “That's correct. I haven't consumed an innate Gold Pill.” He was being crafty with his words, merely mentioning he hadn’t used a Gold Pill, without revealing that his breakthrough involved the fusion of internal energies from the wood and fire elements. If Shui Xuanjin knew it was the wood-fire energy and not metal-water that enabled his breakthrough, who knew how surprised he would be? But he had no intention of inciting unnecessary trouble, and it was unlikely Shui Xuanjin could imagine He Yiming had mastered not just metal and water, but also wood and fire to an equivalent extent. With a sigh, Shui Xuanjin said, “Actually, the one you dueled today, Cheng Fu, is also a dual-element innate master. Like you, he hasn't consumed an innate Gold Pill. At seventy-eight, he combined two top-tier post-heavenly techniques to move from the fire element, crossing the threshold into the innate realm.” He Yiming was a little taken aback, “Dual-element techniques? If he's a dual-element master, why didn't he use earth element powers?” Shui Xuanjin chuckled bitterly, “You're joking. Stepping into the innate realm for only twenty years, he's focused all his efforts on one path, barely reaching the high ranks of dispersed harmony. If he were to split his attention mastering two innate energies, whether it be twenty years or fifty, achieving such strength would be uncertain at best.” He Yiming blinked twice, thinking to himself, "What exactly is Dispersed Harmony?" Shui Xuanjin noticed his expression and suddenly remembered: this young prodigy before him was not someone one could judge with ordinary eyes. Not yet twenty and already in the innate realm, and with metal and water elements refined to high dispersed harmony, plus other tangential elements like wind—it was astonishing. Inwardly sighing, he thought such an extraordinarily gifted individual likely could never comprehend the loneliness and sorrow most others felt on their martial journeys. Yet, upon further reflection, at least he’d reached the innate stage, unlike the countless others still struggling in the post-heavenly realm. With a wistful sigh, the elder remarked, “He Yiming, you're unique.” He Yiming offered a small, knowing smile; he indeed was different. The elder continued, “Masters like you, who've broken into the innate realm with personal effort, have a much deeper understanding of worldly energies than those who relied on pills. Entering the innate realm involves internalizing innate energy, but as it accumulates, you can perceive the world and draw upon it, wielding powers surpassing human limits. Masters who've glimpsed enlightenment can even manifest that insight, surpassing us who use conventional means.” He Yiming nodded silently, recalling the battle with Lü Xinwen. Both Lü Xinwen and Cheng Fu had been in the innate realm for over twenty years. Yet, Lü Xinwen relied on pill power. Although he possessed innate energy, it paled compared to Cheng Fu and He Yiming’s ability to channel world forces. If they clashed again, even one move might heavily wound Lü Xinwen. Suddenly, Shui Xuanjin flicked his hand, which lightly swayed, seemingly ready to tempt the wind. He Yiming focused intently, clearly sensing the draw of wind energy within a hundred meters as if drawn by that single hand. Shui Xuanjin had evidently reached a level capable of commanding worldly energy—not fire, but wind. The elder sighed deeply, “It took me 101 years to truly grasp the way of wind, harnessing its power within a hundred meters. Cheng Fu took just twenty. As for you...” He faltered, unable to continue, before sighing, “Not only have you mastered your own power, but you possess the virtual transformative might from enlightenment. If we faced off, I might find myself more often losing than winning.” He Yiming was somewhat at a loss, scratching his head awkwardly. Amid their conversation stood Yuan Lixiang. Her gaze toward He Yiming was filled with a peculiar sentiment, and that feeling seemed to be expanding without limit. After a moment of reflection, Shui Xuanjin finally said, “He Yiming, seeing your proficiency across multiple elements today, I am both delighted and a bit concerned.” “What worries you?” He Yiming asked, puzzled. Shui Xuanjin spoke earnestly, “I understand you are extraordinarily gifted, able to command multiple elemental forces, an unbelievable feat. But everyone has limited energy. Focus on the one you excel at and prefer most. This would greatly enhance your chances of breaking through Dispersed Harmony into One-Line Heaven.” He Yiming's eyes lit up slightly, “Shui Xuanjin, what are Dispersed Harmony and One-Line Heaven?” Shui Xuanjin gave a puzzled smile, “You aren’t aware?” “Truly, I don’t know.” With a chuckle, Shui Xuanjin said, “Wait until you join Heng Mountain, then inquire further.” He shook his head, “I know but little, only that new initiates to the innate realm are termed Dispersed Harmony. A breakthrough beyond that is called One-Line Heaven.” With another rueful smile, he admitted, “With my talent, I’ll never reach One-Line Heaven in this lifetime.” He Yiming replied, slightly disappointed, yet filled with anticipation for the upcoming journey to Heng Mountain with his grandfather. As for Shui Xuanjin's advice, he didn't take it to heart. His unique constitution meant what was a significant concern for others didn’t trouble him in the slightest. Seeing the disappointment flicker across He Yiming's face, Shui Xuanjin hurried to reassure him, "Brother He, given your age and the fact that you've already comprehended the essence of the water element and achieved a high rank in the Realm of Dispersed Harmony, capable of drawing upon the world's energies, your chances of breaking through to the One-Line Heaven are quite promising in the future." He Yiming nodded slightly at the elder, his confidence in himself equally resolute. Shui Xuanjin slapped his own forehead, "How forgetful I've become, rambling on again." He chuckled, "Little brother, today I visited the palace and discussed matters with His Majesty. This time, you represented Tianluo Kingdom, wagering a tenth of our annual tribute to the Kai Rong Kingdom. Since you've won, our tribute will be reduced by that amount starting this year. His Majesty's intent is to bestow that tenth upon you." He Yiming was taken aback, "His Majesty is quite generous. Isn’t that reward a bit too much?" Shui Xuanjin laughed, "You earned this victory by your own strength. If not for you, then whom? Even if you choose not to accept it, you can gift it to your family." He paused, seemingly considering, before continuing, "Your He family will likely need considerable wealth to establish themselves in Taicang County, and this is a golden opportunity." He Yiming stopped his refusal, the elder's final words had indeed moved him. Of course, he understood; by offering such a generous reward, the royal family was also making him a shield. If he were ever to lose a duel against a Kai Rong master, this lavish gift would likely end right there. Still, the Tianluo royal family's unexpected generosity astonished He Yiming, and if they ever found themselves in dire straits, he might find it hard to stand idly by. ※※※※ After seeing Shui Xuanjin off, He Yiming returned to his room. Though Yuan Lixiang was nominally his concubine, they hadn't shared a bed to this day. This peculiarity surprised both He Yiming's grandfather, He Wude, and Shui Xuanjin, leading them to wonder if He Yiming simply didn't like her. For an innate master, there were no longer any significant concerns regarding relations between men and women, and dismissing it as a disruption to innate cultivation was absurd. However, both He Yiming and Yuan Lixiang seemed oblivious to any irregularity, living this way quite comfortably. With his eyes softly closed on the bed, He Yiming resumed his daily practice. Though enlightenment could propel one's strength forward dramatically, long-term unwavering effort was still required to consolidate those gains. Without it, future chances of enlightenment would be exceedingly rare. He wasn't sure how much time had passed when he emerged from a hazy state. Opening his eyes, he asked, "Lixiang, is there something you need?" Outside the room, there was a subtle sound; merely listening to the familiar breathing, he knew it must be Yuan Lixiang. Normally, she wouldn’t approach at this hour. Since she was here, it must be to deliver some news. Yuan Lixiang's gentle voice promptly sounded, "Young master, the Third Prince and Fifth Princess of the Kai Rong Kingdom have arrived together. They wish to see you." "The prince and princess of Kai Rong?" He Yiming pondered briefly, unable to fathom their reason for visiting. Surely, it wasn’t to challenge him following Cheng Fu's defeat. "Young master, do you wish to see them?" Yuan Lixiang urged, "If you're unwilling, I can inform them that you're in seclusion and cannot be disturbed." A faint smile graced He Yiming's lips. Regardless of their motives, there was nothing to fear. With such strength, concern was unnecessary. Pulling open the door, he asked, "Where are they?" "They're waiting in the guest hall," Yuan Lixiang softly informed, "They don’t seem to be here to cause trouble." He Yiming gestured lightly, "Of course not. Have you ever seen anyone seek to trouble an innate master?" Yuan Lixiang giggled, covering her mouth. Only a fool would attempt to bring trouble to an innate master. The intelligence of Zhan Zhichao and Zhan Zhiyan ensured they wouldn't make such a blunder. Moments later, the duo walked into the guest hall together. This courtyard was one of the finest in Shaoming Residence; even the hall was spacious. He Yiming's eyes swept the room, mildly surprised to find only Zhan Zhichao and Zhan Zhiyan present, with just two veiled women standing behind them, and no other attendants in sight. It made sense though, considering the innate masters presiding over Tianluo Kingdom. Any unwanted incidents here meant serious consequences for He Yiming and Shui Xuanjin. He Yiming's ears perked slightly. The air was normal, without eavesdroppers. Undoubtedly, Shui Xuanjin understood he had learned the art of Wind Listening and couldn't be fooled by such tactics, so he chose to respect He Yiming’s space by ignoring the prince and princess. Seeing He Yiming enter, Zhan Zhichao and Zhan Zhiyan quickly stood up. They cupped their hands respectfully, "Greetings, Master He." Zhan Zhichao was expected, but Zhan Zhiyan adopting a man's greeting stance caught He Yiming's interest. Nevertheless, he maintained his composure, "Please have a seat." Once seated as host and guests, He Yiming asked directly, "May I know the purpose of your visit?" Zhan Zhichao smiled slightly, "We heard that Master He stepped into the innate realm, so we came to offer congratulations with gifts." A flash of skepticism crossed He Yiming's eyes. "You came solely for this?" With his strength, second-guessing others isn't necessary. Directness often serves best. Of course, acting this way requires undeniable strength, else it backfires. Zhan Zhichao signaled subtly, prompting the two women behind to step forward. The fragrance reached He Yiming's nose, a scent unlike any he knew, though not unpleasant. The women kneeled several meters before He Yiming, holding up a gift list. With his sharp eyes, He Yiming effortlessly took in all the items listed. He was slightly startled, realizing they were all valuable. Several unfamiliar items were prominently listed, indicating high worth among the treasures. Not being one to shy away from generous offerings, He Yiming's interest was piqued. Zhan Zhiyan suddenly laughed softly, her voice carrying a seductive undertone, "Master He, it seems you lack staff to attend to this residence. Why not leave these two maidens here to serve you?" As her words fell, the veils of the two maids inexplicably slipped off. Revealed beneath were two breathtakingly beautiful faces.