Book 2 Chapter 77: Polite Rejection - Martial God

Chapter 77: Polite Rejection As the veil slipped away, a cascade of long, jet-black hair fell like a waterfall. They bowed gently, with their heads perfectly poised, revealing cheeks flushed like powdered jade, glowing like apples. It was akin to the dawn blushing at the sunset, a brilliant juxtaposition. While He Yi Ming was momentarily entranced, they reached up and gave a gentle tug on the ribbons at their necks, allowing the voluminous robes they wore to glide down. Underneath, they wore only nearly transparent black gowns. Their voluptuous figures were half-revealed, showing off the entrancing curves of their bosoms, slender waists, rounded hips, and long, alabaster legs—a vision utterly capable of enrapturing all who beheld it. He Yi Ming's ears twitched slightly again, immediately catching the slightly heavier breathing and the quickened heartbeat of Yuan Li Xiang behind him. Though Yuan Li Xiang was concealing it well enough that others hadn't noticed, there was no hiding it from He Yi Ming. A strange feeling seeped through his heart. The anxiety and nervousness emanating from Yuan Li Xiang unwittingly brought a sense of inexplicable joy to his heart. This feeling was so peculiar that even he found it unfathomable. Zhan Zhi Chao and his sister, Zhan Zhi Yan, watched He Yi Ming intently, only to see his gaze merely skim over the two women's stunning figures, as if deep in thought and barely noticing them. They exchanged a glance, disappointment and regret flashing in their eyes, yet they weren't surprised. Given He Yi Ming's status and strength, the Tian Luo royal family would undoubtedly go to any lengths to win him over. It would be strange indeed if they did not include the accompaniment of many beauties. However, they did not know that, despite this intention from the Tian Luo royal family, it was Shui Xuan Jin who had vetoed it. The respect conveyed by the personal reception of this innate master far surpassed any enticement a few beauties could offer. "Both of you," He Yi Ming stated nonchalantly, yet with a commanding force that brooked no defiance, "my path in cultivation does not require the service of others. I acknowledge your goodwill." Zhan Zhi Chao smiled smoothly, unaffected by the situation. In a soft voice, he said, "Since it is Master He's wish, you may withdraw." The two women obediently placed down the gift list, picked up their veils and robes from the floor, and exited with courteous bows. Zhan Zhi Chao once again cupped his hands and said, "Master He, should there be any disruption, I ask for your forgiveness. Consider this gift list as a token of our apology." Although He Yi Ming had no particular fondness for the visitors from Kai Rong, he could not deny the prince's remarkable ability to win over hearts and minds. Such genuine and sincere-seeming respect would seldom provoke aversion. Yet, He Yi Ming waved his hand dismissively. "No need. I, being a mere layman, have little use for such gold and silver items. Take them back, Your Highness." Zhan Zhi Chao let out a chuckle and said, "Master He, these gifts are indeed meant as an apology, without any other intentions." He paused, then added, "Master He, now that you have reached the high tier of the Hundred Disperse Sky realm, when do you plan to breach the One Line Sky?" He Yi Ming raised an eyebrow, his eyes sharpening, "You are a practitioner at the postnatal realm. How do you know of innate realms?" Zhan Zhi Chao candidly smiled, "Though I am but a postnatal cultivator, within our Kai Rong royal family resides a grand ancestor who is an expert of One Line Sky." He Yi Ming's expression shifted as he recalled words he'd overheard that night, leading to a sudden understanding. Seeing that the innate master before him seemed intrigued, Zhan Zhi Chao promptly added, "Master He, my ancestor once said that advancing from the Hundred Disperse Sky to One Line Sky in the innate realm is even more challenging than breaking through from postnatal to prenatal. If it weren't so, the likes of Shui Xuan Jin from your esteemed country would have long transcended such limits." He Yi Ming snorted lightly, "If you have something to say, Your Highness, speak plainly. All this beating around the bush serves no purpose." Zhan Zhi Chao was momentarily taken aback. In the grand hall of Kai Rong, comprising ten innate masters, he had never known any among them to conduct themselves with such directness. Perhaps, he mused, it was this unique characteristic that allowed He Yi Ming to tread so far along the martial path. Yet he did not know that He Yi Ming had already discerned his intentions from their conversation and thus was unwilling to waste time on them. Zhan Zhi Chao's countenance became gravely serious as he declared, "Master He, if you do not find it presumptuous, on behalf of my ancestor, I invite you to Kai Rong. There, we shall open the royal armory to you, and when you are ready to challenge the One Line Sky, my ancestor can lend protection and enhance your breakthrough, significantly increasing your chances." He Yi Ming closed his eyes halfway, contemplating the pros and cons, yet inwardly, he mocked the offer. Leaving aside other grievances, the mere fact that your people condone marauders to pillage and devastate Tian Luo's lands makes any cooperation with you impossible. Of course, He Yi Ming had no intention of voicing this sentiment. Finally, he shook his head, "I appreciate Your Highness's kindness, but as I am ultimately the protector of Tian Luo, it would be inappropriate to visit your country." With that, he stood and said, "Li Xun, see our guests out." He turned away, offering no opportunity for the prince and princess to persuade him further. Yuan Li Xun acknowledged respectfully, "Your Highnesses, my young master has gone to cultivate. If there has been any discourtesy, please forgive us." Though apologizing, she subtly shielded He Yi Ming's departing figure, preventing any attempts to call back to him. Zhan Zhi Chao sighed, while Zhan Zhi Yan chuckled coquettishly, "I've heard Master He has a beautiful concubine serving him. She must be you, correct?" A wave of sadness washed over Yuan Li Xun; she was, after all, merely a concubine—never to stand beside He Yi Ming as an equal. Since following He Yi Ming, even He Wu De himself had never explicitly mentioned this fact, which she had always willfully ignored. But now, Zhan Zhi Yan's words starkly shattered that faint illusion within her heart. With a silent sigh, she acknowledged that her hopes were indeed an extravagant longing. As these thoughts flitted briefly through her mind, she unwaveringly replied with courtesy, "In response to Your Highness, this humble girl serves the young master." Zhan Zhi Yan gave her a long, thoughtful look before bursting into laughter, "Master He truly is an amusing individual. I hope we shall have opportunities to meet again." Even as the siblings bowed slightly to Yuan Li Xun, they left without any lapse in etiquette. Once they had departed from Shaoming Residence and the carriage had traveled a few miles, Zhan Zhi Chao suddenly said, "Fifth Sister, I told you this approach might backfire; it might only breed resentment." He sighed, "You see, that woman serving him, although a concubine in name, appears to be a virgin..." Zhan Zhi Yan huffed, "He hasn’t even laid hands on his own concubine. Is he even a man?" Zhan Zhi Chao's expression shifted slightly, "Fifth Sister, mind your tongue. Such words must not spread." Zhan Zhi Yan seemed to recognize the weight of her words. She playfully stuck out her blushing tongue, a display of endearing cuteness. After pondering a moment, Zhan Zhi Chao said, "I believe Master He is steadfastly dedicated to the martial path, avoiding emotional entanglements deliberately. That's why he's chosen such restraint." Zhan Zhi Yan hesitated, "Indeed, precisely. When you mentioned our grand ancestor earlier, he showed interest, though I cannot fathom why he ultimately declined. It’s a pity..." She sighed deeply, "Now that he has refused, what shall we do?" Zhan Zhi Chao pondered briefly, "We report everything to Father upon our return. It will be up to him to decide our course." A hint of an indescribable expression crossed his lips, "For such a prodigious figure, even Father might find him a headache." Zhan Zhi Yan pressed her lips into a smile, seemingly delighted by some private joy. ※※※※ After entering the room, He Yi Ming did not immediately commence his cultivation. Instead, he picked up a book, reading it silently. Whether he absorbed the contents was known only to the heavens. While Zhan Zhi Chao’s proposal was indeed tempting, he was resolute in not accepting any benefits from Kai Rong. Moments later, Yuan Li Xiang entered the room, a faint blush on her face. Yet He Yi Ming could sense that she was quite joyful, a stark contrast to her earlier mood. Inexplicably, He Yi Ming felt a tinge of happiness himself. He set aside his book and asked, "Li Xun, have they left?" "Yes, master, the two royals have departed," Yuan Li Xiang replied with a smile. "They were very amiable and even brought you such beautiful maids." He Yi Ming blinked twice and said, "Were they really that beautiful? I didn't look closely." Though he spoke naturally, this statement was hardly sincere. During his brief glance earlier, he had clearly noticed the beauty and figures of the two women. In terms of looks and physique, they indeed surpassed even Yuan Li Xun. Yet, for some reason, looking at them didn't evoke the same warm feeling he experienced with Yuan Li Xun. Perhaps it was simply familiarity, or maybe it was because they were from Kai Rong, a nation he disliked. Either way, He Yi Ming hadn’t given them a second thought, but had instead been acutely aware of Yuan Li Xun standing behind him. Hearing his words, Yuan Li Xun's delight visibly deepened. A subtle smile played on her lips, its sweetness barely contained. He Yi Ming was taken aback, hesitating before murmuring, "Li Xun, what I meant to say... actually, I mean..." Yuan Li Xun tilted her head, a look of curiosity in her eyes. To her, He Yi Ming wasn’t someone who usually stuttered or stumbled over his words. Finally, He Yi Ming took a deep breath and said, "I mean to say that having you by my side is more than enough." Yuan Li Xun gasped softly, her face turning crimson, and she shyly nodded in agreement, a blush creeping all the way to her neck. Though He Yi Ming was an innate master, he was still, first and foremost, a human—and a mere sixteen-year-old boy at that. Such a boy, despite having achieved astounding feats in some respects, would find it difficult to speak straightforwardly in such matters unless he was a heedless libertine. Clearing his throat, He Yi Ming said, "I'll go see Uncle and the others. I’ll be back late today." With that, he zoomed off like a comet chasing the moon. Seeing He Yi Ming flee as if escaping, Yuan Li Xun couldn't help but chuckle. Strangely, once she laughed, the fiery feeling dissipated significantly. Gazing in the direction of He Yi Ming's departure, she suddenly realized that leaving the Yuan family might not have been a misfortune after all. Perhaps she had found the happiness her mother often spoke of. Her eyes gradually became dreamy, and she found herself lost in thought... ※※※※ He Yi Ming moved swiftly, becoming a gust of wind as he left Shao Ming Residence with ease, not disturbing a soul as he headed towards the royal estate. The royal estate where He Quan Xin and his son lived wasn't the prime estate reserved for the visitors from Kai Rong but lay ten miles beyond that in a quaint garden area. Though smaller by comparison, this garden’s actual size was not inferior to the entire He Family Manor. He Quan Xin and his son were thriving in Tian Luo's capital, constantly entertaining guests from far and wide—people of prominence, who previously, would never regard an upstart family from mere Taicang County. If He Quan Xin came as an individual to seek backing from these powerful families, he would receive the highest level of hospitality. After all, a top-level expert of ten levels of inner strength wasn't something every family could casually claim. Yet when He Quan Xin presented himself as part of the He family from Taicang County in Tian Luo, they were initially met with indifference. It wasn't until the accompanying prince publicized their connection to the newly acclaimed innate master He that they began attracting attention. Especially after He Yi Ming’s battle with Cheng Fu and his subsequent victory. Arriving before He Quan Xin's estate, He Yi Ming was astounded by the sheer throng of visitors, stretching from dawn till high moon without respite. The commotion was so great he wondered if he had come to the wrong place. After a brief contemplation, he swiftly melded into the scene, flitting like a shadow through the maze of carriages, entering through the main gate. The drivers and guards all looked at each other, unsure if they had seen something flash by. But when they sought it out, not even a fly was visible, leaving them doubtful yet unwilling to raise an alarm for fear of disturbing the many VIPs and incurring severe punishment. After passing the main gate, He Yi Ming's sensitive ears picked up every sound within the estate, pinpointing the location of He Quan Xin and his son instantly. Picking up speed, he glided over, moving with even more prowess than before, like an invisible, intangible breeze. Within this estate, the attendants were far more competent than usual, and He Yi Ming dared not let his guard down. Finally, after avoiding several sets of eyes, he reached the main hall. There, three unfamiliar men sat conversing with them, their interaction seemingly congenial. He Yi Ming entered with decisive strides, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. Upon seeing him, everyone, including He Quan Xin, stood surprised but visibly pleased. "Yi Ming, you’ve returned," He Quan Xin said excitedly. He Yi Ming nodded, his gaze casually sweeping over the three strangers. "Uncle, I have something to discuss with you." Before He Quan Xin could respond, the three men hurriedly excused themselves as if they had intended to leave all along. He Quan Xin had no interest in detaining them, and after dismissing them with He Yi Tian’s help, he said, "Yi Ming, you could have sent for us instead. There was no need for you to come personally." He Yi Ming paused in speechless reflection. He could never bring himself to make a senior relative, especially his own uncle, travel a long distance to see him. Once they were seated, He Yi Ming got straight to the point, "Uncle, Master Shui Xuan Jin came to see me. He said I could decide what to do with the tax share I won." He Quan Xin was momentarily stunned, then his eyes lit up, comparable to electric bulbs. "Yi Ming, are you serious? All of it is ours?" He Yi Ming shot his uncle a curious look, nodding slightly. The elder’s reaction was quite over the top. After sharing the good news, his uncle couldn’t stop smiling, beaming from ear to ear. He Yi Ming sighed inwardly, realizing the irresistible allure of wealth, rendering even his uncle helplessly enthralled.