Book 3 Chapter 6: Dual Fire and Wood Innate Technique - Martial God

**Chapter 6: Dual Fire and Wood Innate Technique** "Elder Yao, these fasting pills may differ somewhat from the ones crafted by our family's ancestor, but they shouldn't be failures, right?" He Yiming uncertainly asked. After observing the expressions of the two elders, He Yiming was almost certain that the pills were unlikely to be failures, yet he couldn't help but ask. Elder Yao chuckled wryly and said, "If these were failures, then there wouldn't be any fasting pills in this world." He Wude also sighed, explaining, "Yiming, even fasting pills have varying quality. The ones I produce can indeed serve their purpose, yet consuming one only sustains hunger for a day. However..." He glanced at the jade bottle, continuing, "These fasting pills can sustain a person for three days and nights. They are unquestionably top-tier." A glimmer of realization flashed in He Yiming's eyes. He comprehended the rationale behind it—through his crafting, the mixture and vitality of the herbs surpassed those made by He Wude. The efficacy of fasting pills likely depended on the vitality within them. "Elder He, how did you manage to craft them?" Elder Yao pondered for a moment before asking curiously. He was extremely intrigued, for from his recent observations, He Yiming appeared to be an outsider when it came to alchemy. Although he seemed to have picked up some knowledge from somewhere, he was still lagging behind the disciples of the Lingyao Peak. However, his first foray into pill crafting reached such heights, it could only be described as miraculous. He Yiming thoughtfully recalled the sensations he experienced during the crafting process. As Elder Yao listened, his expression grew increasingly thrilled and grave, especially upon hearing that He Yiming could sense the vitality of the herbs using Wood element techniques. His countenance became utterly astonished. After a long while, the old man let out a deep sigh, saying, "Elder He, I was concerned that despite your interest in alchemy, your achievements in the field would be limited due to Five Elements techniques. But now, it seems my worries were unfounded." He cast a profound glance at He Yiming, stating, "Elder He, not only have you mastered the dual techniques of Fire and Wood, but your talent in the Wood element is extraordinarily high." He Wude's eyes immediately sparkled with pride, and hearing his master's evaluation of his grandson filled him with immense joy, far surpassing any praise directed at himself. "Master, how did you ascertain this?" he asked solemnly. Elder Yao smiled slightly, elucidating, "According to ancient records, rare geniuses in this world can perceive the life vitality of herbs and plants. Such geniuses are rare, even in thousands of years. If one can cultivate Wood element techniques, it would be like a fish in water, especially when breaking through barriers, making it a hundred times easier than usual." He gazed at He Yiming with deep envy, announcing, "This kind of Wood element talent is every alchemist's dream. No wonder Elder He chose the path of alchemy." Inwardly, He Yiming was sweating nervously, for he hadn't understood the underlying reason. Even his ability to sense the vitality of herbs was discovered by chance. However, there was one thing he was sure of—this talent provided immense assistance in herb crafting. "Master, are you suggesting Yiming should switch to cultivating Wood element techniques?" He Wude suddenly inquired. Elder Yao pondered for a moment and shook his head, saying, "Which technique Elder He should cultivate is up to him to decide. However, it would be a significant waste to let such a good Wood element talent go unused." Despite the absence of an explicit statement, the implication was crystal clear. He Yiming smiled wryly, acutely aware of his own abilities. To him, no matter which technique he cultivated, the effect was the same. Yet, such a sentiment was best kept to himself. After a short pause, Elder Yao noticed He Yiming's silence and couldn't help but display a hint of disappointment. He cleared his throat, suggesting, "Elder He, the path of alchemy is vast and profound. If you can achieve success in this field, it will also bring unimaginable benefits to your martial pursuits." He Wude nodded earnestly, indicating, "Yiming, Master is right. I never expected you to have both Fire and Wood talents." He sighed deeply, muttering, "If I had known, I would have braved Master's reprimand to teach you the alchemy path sooner." Before He Yiming manifested his dual element talent, He Wude hoped dearly that his cherished grandson would abandon the whimsical idea of pill crafting and focus his efforts entirely on cultivation. However, upon realizing He Yiming's extraordinary Fire and Wood talent, He Wude's mindset underwent a dramatic shift. Elder Yao's eyes suddenly gleamed with a determined resolve, "Elder He, truth be told, within our Hengshan Sect, while the Lingyao Peak isn't the main peak, it undoubtedly ranks as the second. If you opt to study Fire and Wood techniques and inherit my alchemy path, I'm willing to cede the position of Lingyao Peak's master to you." Despite his youthful appearance belying his true age, there was an unparalleled solemnity in his eyes. He Yiming was greatly puzzled. After witnessing the Lingyao Peak's dwelling and herb garden, he was already aware of this peak's significant position within Hengshan. Thus, when Elder Yao, on behalf of the elders, offered him any mountain of his choosing in the surrounding ranges, he never imagined he'd have the opportunity to helm the Lingyao Peak. Hesitating briefly, he inquired, "Elder Yao, why would you do this?" Elder Yao, instead of answering directly, contemplated for a moment before unexpectedly asking, "Elder He, you are aware that our Hengshan Sect's Supreme Elder, the two elders, and most tenth-level inner strength disciples have left Hengshan. Do you know why?" He Yiming shook his head slightly, equally perplexed. "I do not." Elder Yao sighed wryly, admitting helplessly, "It's all because there's no one left to succeed them." As Elder Yao openly shared, He Yiming finally understood the core issue. Ever since Yu Xichen consumed the last innate golden pill and became an innate master, Hengshan Sect hadn't seen another breakthrough in over sixty years. Simultaneously, with the passage of time, the three elders and Supreme Elder grew older. If no new talents emerged, when the older generation of innate masters passed away, it would spell the end for Hengshan Sect. Thus, after thorough discussions, the elders decided to dispatch most of the sect's prominent experts into the vast and boundless mountain ranges, searching for traces of innate spiritual beasts over five hundred years old. Although the tenth-level inner strength disciples couldn't rival innate spiritual beasts, if they could find any clues, they'd return to the sect, prompting the elders or even the Supreme Elder to intervene personally. This precarious transitional period within Hengshan explained Elder Yao's immense delight when He Yiming arrived with two precious innate spiritual beast inner pills. Of course, Elder Yao also harbored personal motives. With his age and rich knowledge, he genuinely wished to find a true disciple to inherit his teachings. Among his many disciples, even the longest-serving He Wujin wasn't an innate master nor a dual cultivator of Fire and Wood, and thus was incapable of inheriting his comprehensive skills. So, when He Yiming displayed his remarkably extraordinary Wood talent, Elder Yao's resolve strengthened. A seventeen-year-old innate cultivator with legendary Wood element talent—if someone like this didn't pursue alchemy, it would indeed be an egregious waste. Elder Yao revealed everything without reservation, earnestly appealing, "Elder He, if you only possessed the Fire and Wood dual talent, I wouldn't insist. Hengshan has vast lands, with numerous peaks for you to choose from. But given your exceptional talent, I cannot let this opportunity slip by easily." He Yiming deliberated momentarily, posing, "Elder Yao, were innate golden pills plentiful in Hengshan Sect before?" "Not at all," Yao Daoist replied with resignation, "You've witnessed innate spiritual beasts. Their strength is formidable, sometimes even outmatching typical innate cultivators. Furthermore, locating their trails is even more arduous than confronting them. Except for that one location..." he paused, a flicker of dread crossing his face before he coughed to mask it. "In short, innate spiritual beasts are exceedingly rare, and innate golden pills even more so. Had it not been the case, over forty years ago, Wude wouldn't have faced exile for that incident." He Yiming nodded slightly, asking intently, "Given the perpetual shortage of innate golden pills, how do the innate masters of Hengshan transcend to the innate realm?" Elder Yao glanced at him with surprise, a playful expression appearing on his face. He laughed heartily, "Elder He, do you believe that all of our Hengshan Sect elders advanced by consuming innate golden pills?" He Yiming was momentarily taken aback. He looked at his grandfather, who gave a wry smile and said, "Yiming, for those who only cultivate one element among the foundational Five Elements, it's true that they can only advance to the innate realm by consuming an innate golden pill. However, in the Hengshan Sect, many experts have emerged over the generations. There have been quite a few who cultivated dual complementary techniques and advanced both to the tenth level. Nowadays, among the three elders and the Supreme Elder, the four innate experts of Hengshan, aside from Elder Yu Xichen from the main peak, the other three have reached the innate realm through the practice of dual complementary techniques." Elder Yao nodded slightly, adding, "This isn't unique to Hengshan. Whether in the northwest countries, the distant Eastern Dashen, or even the innate masters in the northern icefields, seven or eight out of every ten advance by cultivating dual complementary techniques. As for those who consume innate golden pills..." He paused, then continued, "They either have extraordinary luck or strong sect backing." He Yiming suddenly understood. He thought of Cheng Fu and Xie Zhien, then looked at Elder Yao before him. In the northwest, there are countless practitioners. With such a vast number, there must be many cultivating dual complementary techniques. Although not everyone is able to break through to the innate realm, even a small fraction of them would be enough to support a sect. Seeing He Yiming's reaction, Elder Yao continued, "Though our Hengshan Sect isn't a major sect, it has some renown. Our sect has never lacked disciples with dual complementary talent. Thus, over thousands of years, we've never lacked innate experts. However, in the past sixty years, no one in the sect has advanced to the innate realm through their own effort, an unprecedented occurrence since the founding of Hengshan." He shook his head, a bitter undertone in his voice. He Wude quickly interjected, "Master, now that Yiming has joined the Hengshan Sect, along with an innate golden pill, the sect's legacy will surely continue without any issues." Elder Yao nodded gently, a look of hope on his face. "Elder He, what do you think of my proposal?" He Yiming laughed heartily, "Since Elder Yao commands it, how could Yiming refuse?" Bowing deeply to Elder Yao, he expressed, "The path of alchemy is vast and profound. Please guide me further." Elder Yao's eyes sparkled with joy, showing unabashed delight. He declared, "Excellent! Then Elder He, please reside temporarily at the Lingyao Peak. I will impart everything I've learned over the past century to you." He Yiming nodded deeply, his expression full of happiness. However, internally, he couldn't help but think back. Lyu Xinwen, on his deathbed, had earnestly urged for the continuation of his lineage's teachings, rather than for Fan Haori to seek revenge. Similarly, although Elder Yao's end was not near, he was already making preparations for the future. As for Master Shui Xuanjin, though nearing his end, he continued to focus all his efforts on the Tianluo Kingdom. It seemed these individuals of great strength each possessed their steadfast convictions. Perhaps it was this unwavering determination that allowed them to rise above so many other experts. --- "Elder He, here are the two innate techniques I cultivate," Elder Yao said solemnly in a spacious hall, handing over two handwritten manuals to He Yiming. His gaze lingered on the books, and a sigh of nostalgia escaped him. He Yiming received the books with both hands, not flipping to the first page immediately but turning to the latter half. Instantly, he understood why Elder Yao wore such an expression. Within the volumes, it wasn't just the techniques and diagrams recorded. The truly invaluable content lay in the annotations at the back. From the densely written, tiny characters, He Yiming could feel the immense effort Elder Yao had invested. He bowed deeply to Elder Yao, his genuine gratitude evident in his respectful expression. Elder Yao smiled broadly, accepting the gesture. Offering these manuals, into which he had poured the better part of his life, one bow was certainly deserved. He Yiming, focused and calm, ceremoniously opened the first page of the first manual in front of Elder Yao. Suddenly, He Yiming's eyes widened, his lips parted in astonishment. He seemed on the verge of exclaiming but managed to swallow it back. Inside, however, his heart was anything but calm. For on the first page of the manual were three words with which he was intimately familiar. "Blazing Fire Technique..." Almost compulsively, he quickly flipped open the first page of the other manual. Upon reading those equally familiar three characters, his expression transformed into one of incredulity. "Withered Wood Technique..." The names of these two manuals were identical to the top-tier Fire and Wood techniques from the Xu family in Taicang County. He hesitated but continued to peruse the contents. Skimming through several pages at a brisk pace, he found the similarities uncanny. The contents matched precisely with the two manuscripts he had obtained. He flipped to the middle of the manuals, finally encountering new material. His reading slowed as he examined every line carefully, unraveling the information. A trace of joy subtly emerged on his face. He finally understood that the manuals from the Xu family were merely incomplete versions. The Xu family's versions only detailed the methods for practicing these techniques within the postnatal stage. In reality, once practitioners reached the innate stage with these techniques, corresponding cultivation methods existed for further development. Though He Yiming merely skimmed a few lines, he discerned many remarkable insights. His own Five Element techniques had undergone subtle changes after advancing to the innate stage and subsequent training, rendering them unconventional. Due to this evolution, even Elder Yao, despite training in the same two techniques for over a century, couldn't discern that He Yiming's Fire and Wood techniques shared the same roots. Armed with these original innate manuals, He Yiming briefly cross-referenced them with his knowledge, instantly achieving a semblance of understanding. He was confident that fully integrating the contents of these two manuals would significantly advance his martial cultivation. "Elder He, is there something unsuitable about these manuals?" Elder Yao, observing He Yiming's expressions shifting as if entranced, inquired with surprise. He Yiming snapped back to reality, explaining quickly, "It's not about the manuals themselves, but their names." Gathering his thoughts, he continued, "In Taicang County, there's a family with a century-long legacy. They possess manuals with these same names." Elder Yao was shocked, exclaiming, "That's impossible." "If you do not believe me, you can verify it with my ancestor," He Yiming added, "Of course, I haven't seen their manuals; it could be just a name coincidence." Elder Yao shook his head slightly, "Even as a coincidence, it's improbable for both manuals to share identical names." Suddenly recalling something, he asked, "Is that family named Xu?" "Yes," He Yiming replied, surprised. Elder Yao laughed heartily, swiftly changing the subject. No matter how persistently He Yiming probed, Elder Yao only maintained his cryptic silence. This greatly puzzled He Yiming. What kind of background did the Xu family possess that even Elder Yao seemed so wary of it?