Book 2 Chapter 82: Departure from the Capital - Martial God

### Chapter 82: Departure from the Capital Upon returning to Shaoming Residence, He Yi Ming didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. Although the third master of the Zi family had been assassinated in the city, such events were unlikely to disturb Master Shui Xuan Jin's serene practice, so the residents here were unaware. Even if they knew, Shaoming Residence's stature meant that no one would care, much less associate He Yi Ming with the incident. He moved as if gliding on the wind, effortlessly entering Yuan Li Xun's room. She sat holding an embroidered handkerchief, her expression alternating between blushes and frowns, seemingly lost in thought. Shaking his head slightly, he mused silently, "Girls are indeed sentimental creatures." He lightly cleared his throat, causing Yuan Li Xun to startle and hastily stand up, tucking the handkerchief into her bosom. Curious, He asked, “What are you doing?” With a hint of shyness on her face, Yuan Li Xun replied in a voice as soft as an insect's murmur, “I'm looking at my mother’s keepsake.” At once, He Yi Ming felt a solemn respect. Having accepted Yuan Li Xun, her elders naturally became his own as well. Yet, he couldn't fathom why she appeared so bashful when looking at her mother's memento. He shook his head slightly, realizing that he couldn't decipher the complex mind of a girl. “Have you seen him?” Yuan Li Xun changed the topic, relieved He Yi Ming didn’t pursue the matter further. Contemplating for a moment, He Yi Ming said, “Li Xun, you might have been mistaken; there was no such person.” Yuan Li Xun was momentarily stunned. “Master, I…” She abruptly stopped, seeing He Yi Ming winking at her with a peculiar smile. With some hesitation, she seemed to understand and replied, “I see. Indeed, there was no such person. I must have been mistaken.” When Yuan Li Xun first came to the He family, she referred to herself by the humble term for concubine. However, as she spent more time with He Yi Ming, they began addressing each other intimately, without any deliberate intent, as if naturally transitioning like water flowing. This change went uncorrected by anyone, evolving naturally over time. He Yi Ming laughed lightly, saying, “Li Xun, you’re practicing the fifth level of the water element technique, right?” Blushing, Yuan Li Xun nodded slightly. Reaching the fifth level of water element technique at sixteen was considered average among aristocratic youth. After pondering, He Yi Ming suggested, “Li Xun, I'll ask Brother Shui for a few attendants to help with chores.” Yuan Li Xun's face instantly drained of color. Biting her lip, she lowered her head, whispering, “Yes, master, I…shall comply.” He Yi Ming quickly waved his hand, “Li Xun, that’s not what I meant.” A flurry of thoughts raced in his mind, and he hastily explained, “What I mean is, when I practice, it would be best for you to accompany me. This way, your internal energy progress might be faster. Let the real servants handle any trivial chores. I hope you can advance your internal strength to the sixth level or even higher soon.” Surprised, Yuan Li Xun looked at He Yi Ming. At that moment, he seemed to shed all his prestigious aura, reduced to merely a sixteen-year-old youth. The early youthful tenderness returned to him once more. Seeming to understand, Yuan Li Xun lowered her gaze again, letting out a shy nasal sound barely audible even to the sharpest ear. Her face, however, was once again adorned with a blush that invited whimsical imaginations. --- The city had entered midsummer. The trees were lush with foliage, and the heat began intensifying by noon. The city's men and women had donned summer attire, filling the Tianluo Nation with vibrant life. One day, several fast horses arrived unexpectedly at Shaoming Residence. Initially ignored by the gatekeepers, they became cautious upon learning the visitors' identities. Soon after, He Yi Ming, who was practicing alongside Yuan Li Xun, stepped out to greet them—a reception even the Tianluo King hadn’t received. Outside the residence stood two spirited elders with rosy complexions, accompanied by the smiling He Quan Xin and his son, He Lai Bao. "Grandfather, Uncle Bao, you’re all here," He Yi Ming exclaimed joyfully as he approached. His eyes landed on He Lai Bao, immediately revealing a joyous expression. “Congratulations, Uncle Bao, and to you, Grandfather.” He Lai Bao laughed heartily, his face full of happiness. He Wu De stroked his beard and asked, “Lai Bao is worth congratulating, but why are you congratulating me?” He Yi Ming respectfully replied, “Grandfather, hasn’t it been your greatest wish to develop our He Family Manor? With you and uncle being internal force tenth-level masters, and now Uncle Bao joining, we have three such masters.” He Wu De laughed heartily, “Yi Ming, I didn’t expect that even at the innate level, your words remain so sweet.” He Yi Tian stepped forward, “Sixth Brother, our He Family Manor not only holds three internal force tenth-level masters, it also has you, an innate expert.” He Wu De and the others nodded in agreement. Without He Yi Ming, not only would the extreme elixirs not be attainable, but they likely would have faced a debacle when hunting the golden-crowned python. He Yi Ming led them into his courtyard where newly appointed maids promptly served the finest tea. Typically, Yuan Li Xun handled these tasks, but since He Yi Ming's recent return, he insisted on relieving her role, merely allowing her to accompany him in practice. These maids were drafted from other courtyards in Shaoming Residence. At He Yi Ming's current status, such a small request had many eager to oblige. Shortly after everyone settled, Master Shui Xuan Jin entered with laughter. Upon learning the master's identity, He Wu De and others behaved more reservedly. Although He Yi Ming was an innate master, he was still family. However, Master Shui was over two hundred years old. His mere age weighed like a mountain on their hearts. Recognizing their discomfort, Shui Xuan Jin excused herself after a brief stay, leaving the family to their joyful reunion. He Yi Ming appreciated the gesture, understanding that Master Shui visiting in person showed significant regard for him. Seeing his grandfather’s expression of excitement, he realized how esteemed an innate master was in their eyes. With sincere gratitude, he appreciated Shui Xuan Jin's considerate action. Once she left, the atmosphere resumed its previous ease. He Wu De contemplated, saying, “Yi Ming, I have something to discuss with you.” Understanding his grandfather’s intention, He Yi Ming nodded lightly, signaling the maids, “You can all leave, there’s no need for service here now.” The well-trained maids curtsied in unison, steadily retreating. The elders exchanged looks of approval, acknowledging the distinction of the maids compared to those at the He Family Manor. Though Yuan Li Xun hesitated to exit, He Yi Ming gently held her wrist, “Li Xun, you’re not an outsider. No need to leave.” Her cheeks flushed, feeling embarrassed under He Wu De and others’ gaze. She lowered her head, but her heart was filled with a wonderful sensation. He Wu De smiled slightly. Though Yuan Li Xun’s status didn’t quite match He Yi Ming’s, she was still the granddaughter of an old friend. Seeing He Yi Ming’s genuine affection for her, he was happy for them. “Yi Ming, Lai Bao and I have discussed. Since he successfully advanced to the tenth level of internal force, it's time for us to return to Heng Mountain.” He Yi Ming glanced at his uncle and brother. His uncle wore an understanding smile, while his brother He Yi Tian appeared bewildered, indicating he hadn’t been informed. Smiling faintly, He Yi Ming said, “Brother, I only learned of this recently myself.” He narrated He Wu De and He Lai Bao’s background, omitting the true reason they were expelled. He only mentioned that they broke the clan’s rules, leading to their departure from Heng Mountain. He Yi Tian was visibly astounded, and even Yuan Li Xun couldn’t mask her shock. Her expression shifted upon learning He Yi Ming would soon accompany his grandfather and uncle to Heng Mountain. He Yi Tian's eyes were filled with indignation as he said, "Sixth Brother, since you're going with Grandfather to Heng Mountain this time, you must stand up for him and thoroughly put those who dared to underestimate him in their place." He Wu De couldn't help but chuckle, "Yi Tian, don’t be foolish." Sighing deeply, the old man continued, "Before Yi Ming reached the innate level, I often thought about how to make those people regret the insults they hurled at us brothers all those years ago. But..." He paused for a moment before adding, "Ever since I opened up to Yi Ming about this during our last conversation, both Lai Bao and I have let it go. After all, we are of the same sect. Some things are best left behind." Yi Tian's eyes widened in disbelief, "Grandfather, how can you say that? Didn’t you always teach us that we should clearly distinguish between gratitude and grievances?" He Wu De's expression shifted subtly, a mix of shame and sadness crossing his features. "Yi Tian," he said slowly, "Before this journey, Lai Bao and I had a heart-to-heart. Had I not erred first, they wouldn't have been so unforgiving. I ruined their only sliver of hope. In their place, I might have acted no differently." He Quan Xin exchanged a glance with He Yi Ming, both understanding the underlying meaning in He Wu De's words. If the innate elixir had been successfully created, it would certainly have been given to someone among He Wu De's fellow disciples. Although it might not have been guaranteed for him, it was at least a possibility. However, with the elixir dreams shattered, it was as if their pathway to advance to the innate stage was thoroughly blocked. Given such circumstances, their reactions were understandable. He Lai Bao nodded slightly in agreement. "For many years, the old master and I held grudges towards our former sect's severe rebukes. But after Yi Ming stepped into the innate realm, we've truly released these burdens. Circumstances were to blame and they can’t be faulted." He Yi Tian, finally grasping the situation, sensed that the past transgressions of his grandfather were likely complex. As a junior, he felt it was not his place to inquire further. Judging by his father's reticence, he was unlikely to disclose more either. Wu De gently stroked his long beard, suddenly speaking, "Yi Ming, Lai Bao and I have come to terms. Though we hope you might join us in service to Heng Mountain, the choice is yours. If you truly do not wish it, we will not force you." He Yi Ming chuckled softly, "Grandfather, does the Heng Mountain lineage have a history stretching back thousands of years?" "Indeed, it has a three-thousand-year legacy," Wu De replied with pride. For him, even years after being cast out, Heng Mountain remained a source of unyielding pride. "What about the depth of its library?" "Very extensive." "If I joined, would I have unrestricted access?" "Being an innate master grants you the privilege of perusing all its resources." He Yi Ming spread his hands with a smile, "Grandfather, with such enticing conditions, why would I refuse?" Wu De's smile grew wider, understanding clearly. Achieving the innate stage before twenty and without the aid of any elixir made He Yi Ming a prodigious talent in any sect. Given his reasons for choosing Heng Mountain were familial, Wu De could only feel grateful. "Very well, Yi Ming, since you’ve decided, prepare to leave with me. We set off at dawn," Wu De announced as he stood. "We depart tomorrow morning." With that, he and the rest, despite their special status, moved to take leave to stay at a more comfortable royal estate, rather than imposing on an innate master. After their departure, Yuan Li Xun softly spoke up. "Master." He Yi Ming turned, expression neutral, "What is it?" "I..." She hesitated, meeting his gaze before lowering her voice, "I wish to accompany you." Frowning, He Yi Ming replied, "That might be difficult. Heng Mountain doesn't seem to accept female disciples." Seeing his troubled expression, Yuan Li Xun's eyes reddened, "I'm not going to practice martial arts, but to serve you. Is that not allowed?" He Yi Ming quickly replied, "Of course, that's perfectly fine." Startled, Yuan Li Xun looked at him, puzzled by his sudden change of heart. He Yi Ming blinked twice, sharing, "Li Xun, even if you hadn’t asked, I would have taken you with me. Without you, it just wouldn’t feel right." For a moment, Yuan Li Xun stood stunned, then comprehension dawned, her cheeks turning crimson as she bashfully murmured, "Master…" Laughing heartily, He Yi Ming dashed out, "Li Xun, I'll first speak with Master Shui. See you in a bit." Watching him leave as if in flight, Yuan Li Xun found it amusing. Over time, she'd learned that only in front of his family did He Yi Ming reveal the carefree demeanor of a genuine sixteen-year-old. To outsiders, he remained the esteemed and promising innate master, but to her, she was now family. This thought filled Yuan Li Xun with pride and comfort, despite the slight anxiety and quickening heartbeat. Her eyes welled with contentment, finally understanding the happiness her mother had once so fervently pursued. --- "Brother He's journey to Heng Mountain is something I can't oppose. Yet, today’s goodbye feels like the last time we’ll meet," sighed Shui Xuan Jin. Silently, He Yi Ming pondered how long before he might return, aware of Shui Xuan Jin's limited remaining years. Shui Xuan Jin shook her head, "Brother He, as long as you remember the ten-year promise, I can rest peacefully." He Yi Ming nodded solemnly, "Rest assured; I won’t forget. But I may not even need ten years—perhaps in two or three years, I'll visit." Shui Xuan Jin's eyes lit up with joy, "Good, whilst my time is short, within a few years is manageable. When we next meet, drinks are on me." He Yi Ming regarded the rosy-cheeked elder, aware only a select few knew the precariousness of her life, frayed like a candle flickering in the wind. A touch of sadness crossed his face as a strange thought entered his mind. Human lifespan is indeed short; even the mighty of the Hundred Spirit Realm rarely exceed two hundred years. In contrast, spirit beasts often live several centuries. He wondered, will there ever come a day when humans, through constant cultivation, might surpass these formidable, naturally-nurtured creatures in longevity?