Book 3 Chapter 14: Decision - Martial God

Chapter 14: Decision Faced with He Yi Ming's hesitation, Yu Jing Lei and the other two showed no signs of urging him. They understood well that if He Yi Ming were to acquire the golden core, it would undoubtedly be intended for his family. However, the He family, compared to the entire Hengshan lineage, was rather sparse in members. If the golden core were to go to the Hengshan Sect, irrespective of which one, they could select a suitable candidate for it from among the many disciples at the peak of tenth-level inner strength. However, placing it within the He family made it challenging to pick someone suitable. Reaching the peak of tenth-level inner strength was akin to an insurmountable mountain, obstructing the ambitions of the vast majority. After a long pause, He Yi Ming finally extended his hand, touching the jade box containing the fire-element golden core. When he withdrew his hand, the jade box had vanished. Yu Jing Lei nodded with a smile, saying, "He Zhang Lao, before you administer the innate-golden core to someone, I have a suggestion." He Yi Ming looked up respectfully and said, "Please enlighten me, Martial Uncle." "Since coming to Hengshan, have you noticed any unique attributes compared to the outside world?" Yu Jing Lei asked kindly. He Yi Ming pondered for a moment and said, "Hengshan is remote from the worldly hustle and bustle, especially the main peak, where the concentration of natural energy exceeds the outside world tenfold." Yu Jing Lei laughed heartily and said, "He Zhang Lao, you should understand my suggestion by now." He Yi Ming nodded solemnly, saying, "Thank you for the guidance, Martial Uncle. I shall definitely bring the person to the peak of the main mountain to have them ingest the golden core." Hesitating for a moment, he added, "At that time, I hope you will lend some support." The thick natural energy is immensely beneficial for a warrior’s cultivation. Even for those in the acquired stages, training in a place like Hengshan can yield far better accomplishments. Within the Hengshan lineage, although there are only a few innate elders, many are at the peak of tenth-level inner strength. Across Hengshan, relying on the extreme golden core to enhance one's inner strength is rare. With sufficient talent, achieving the peak of the tenth-level inner strength here is not as arduous as in the outside world. This disparity arises from the differing cultivation environments. Of course, those who can reach the peak of tenth-level inner strength in the outside world, especially in major cities, are considered geniuses among talents. Thus, if a cultivator attempts to break into the innate realm within such an environment, the likelihood of success significantly increases. Suddenly, Yu Jing Lei's expression turned serious, "He Zhang Lao, that statement isn't quite right." He Yi Ming was taken aback, unable to fathom how he could have upset this esteemed elder. Lian Yi, the master of Hengshan's Wind and Fire Peak, grinned, revealing teeth sturdy enough to crack a walnut. Though his smile seemed intimidating, his voice was calm and steady: "He Zhang Lao, you've misunderstood. Martial Uncle means that the He family is inherently a branch of the Hengshan lineage. With this relationship, coming to the peak is only natural." Yao Dao Ren nodded approvingly, adding, "Indeed, since we're family, there's no need for such distinctions." He Yi Ming smiled wryly at the elders, understanding their unstinting efforts were to draw him closer to Hengshan. Nodding sincerely, He Yi Ming said, "Martial Uncle, I understand." Yu Jing Lei then smiled and said, "As for the other golden core, let's discuss how it should be allocated." He Yi Ming prudently remained silent on this matter. Yao Dao Ren contemplated for a moment and suggested, "We'll follow the ancestral precepts, preserving it for now. If in the future the Yu family on the main peak hasn't produced an innate expert, it should go to an exceptional Yu descendant." Lian Yi agreed, "That seems right." He Yi Ming found it surprising they would so generously allocate the golden core to Yu Jing Lei, naming a Yu family descendant to take it, linked by supposed ancestral teachings—an unexpected turn of events. Yu Jing Lei sighed, "It's regrettable that since Hong Bing, our Yu family hasn't produced any dual-element innate experts. The last remaining golden core in our sect was given to Xi Chen. With this newly refined core, it seems the situation remains the same. My Yu family owes the various peaks greatly." Lian Yi waved dismissively, saying, "Martial Uncle, why say such things? Ensuring an unbroken line of innate experts on the main peak is an edict passed down by elders thousands of years ago. Today, who in Hengshan isn't aware of this, or who dares defy the ancestral teachings?" He Yi Ming maintained a neutral expression, internally pondering, "I wasn't even aware of such matters." Yao Dao Ren also nodded, "Martial Uncle, since it's an ancestral decree, it must not be violated, so please accept it." Yu Jing Lei sighed, expressing guilt several times but eventually accepting the jade box. After exchanging a few casual words, everyone then parted ways. He Yi Ming returned home on Peak of Spirit Medicines, filled with complex emotions, to find not only had Yuan Li Xun prepared everything meticulously, but even He Wu De was personally waiting. Upon seeing He Yi Ming, He Wu De immediately rose; though he said nothing, the intense look in his eyes disclosed his every thought. Meeting his gaze, He Yi Ming smiled and nodded slightly, and the old man's anxious demeanor transformed into exuberance. Moments later, He Wu De cleared his throat and said, “Li Xun, I have some words for Yi Ming, please leave us.” Yuan Li Xun softly acknowledged, preparing to stand, but He Yi Ming quickly interjected, “Grandfather, Li Xun is part of our family, there's no need to hide anything.” He Wu De paused, an amused glint rising in his eyes. He Yi Ming inwardly sweated; no matter his achievements, before his grandfather, he remained the studious and diligent grandson—this did not change alongside his burgeoning power and reputation. “Very well, let Li Xun stay and listen.” Yuan Li Xun obediently agreed, her eyes gleaming with excitement. At last, she had gained the elder's approval, and though it was due to He Yi Ming, it made little difference to her. He Yi Ming placed the jade box nonchalantly on the table, appearing indifferent to this golden core, which countless would vie for. He Wu De reached out with trembling hands to gently open the box. A fragrant aroma enveloped them, invigorating their spirits as they beheld the miracle of the golden core tinged with red. Seeing it, both He Wu De and Yuan Li Xun felt an odd sensation as though the core possessed life. With a gentle sigh, He Wu De closed the box, saying, “Yi Ming, what do you intend to do with this golden core?” Without hesitation, He Yi Ming replied, “Grandfather, to consume the core, one must have reached the peak of tenth-level inner strength. Looking across He Village, only you meet this criterion, so it is meant for you.” Although He Lai Bao and He Quan Xin were both tenth-level experts, their inner strength had not reached the apex needed for such a trial, rendering them ineligible for the golden core. Unexpectedly, He Wu De shook his head, “Yi Ming, I appreciate the gesture, but I'm too old to take such risks or waste this golden core.” He Yi Ming frowned slightly, “Grandfather, how could you be wasting it? I will personally ensure your meridians withstand the impact of innate energy.” His confidence was unwavering, free from any doubt. Upon first entering the innate realm, he dared not boast such claims. Yet after numerous insights, his abilities had soared to new heights. With three hundred sixty acupoints nearing full capacity, he stood at the pinnacle of the innate scattered heavens, just a step away from standing shoulder to shoulder with Yu Jing Lei among the elite. Though that final step was difficult, his current might was more than sufficient to guard a peak tenth-level expert. Surprisingly, He Wu De shook his head again, saying, “Yi Ming, I believe you can achieve that much, yet consider my age—over eighty, my vitality wanes. Even with the core, I may not easily channel the innate energy within. If I cannot achieve that, speaking of breakthroughs becomes moot. While I might survive, the core would be spent.” Pausing, He Wu De wryly admitted, “Were I a dual-element tenth-level expert, despite my age, with you by my side, I would try regardless. But using a core and personal breakthroughs differ considerably.” He Yi Ming opened his mouth but remained silent. Elder He's words rang true. For a cultivator over eighty to advance to the innate realm, it was exceedingly difficult. If He Wu De indeed took the golden core, the likelihood of failure would far surpass that of a successful breakthrough. Hearing the elder's words, He Yi Ming's thoughts drifted to Old Master Xie Zhi En in the Fire Wu country. While he was significantly older than his grandfather, he practiced both fire and wood elements, posing a different situation. He Wu De pushed the jade box back to him with a serious expression, "Yi Ming, if you're willing to part with this golden core, let Quan Xin take it." He Yi Ming hesitated, "Grandfather, but isn't First Uncle's strength not yet at the peak of the tenth level?" He Wu De nodded solemnly, "No matter. I can have Quan Xin abandon everything and come to Hengshan for solitary cultivation. You've seen the cultivation environment here. With Quan Xin's talent and dedication, along with the elixirs bestowed by your mentors, he could reach the tenth level peak in under two years, qualifying to take the golden core." He Yi Ming considered carefully for a while before nodding in agreement with his grandfather. He discreetly glanced at the elder, understanding dawning upon him. Perhaps his grandfather had been considering this ever since he acquired the two innate cores. Yet it was only after the new cores were successfully refined that he voiced this plan. With He Yi Ming's support, He Wu De left in high spirits. From his direction, it was clear he was going to discuss with He Lai Bao, who presumably would also agree with the idea. Watching the elderly figure fade into the distance, He Yi Ming turned to Yuan Li Xun and said, "Li Xun, I intend to travel the world, seeing all its wonders. Therefore, the He family must have a true pillar of support, someone to ensure I don't worry during my travels." Yuan Li Xun smiled sweetly, "Young Master, I know. Your choosing the elder is also a blessing for the Yuan family." Among He family's second generation of three brothers, He Quan Xin was undoubtedly the closest to Yuan Cheng Zhi, the current head of the Yuan family. If He Quan Xin became an innate master, it would best align with the Yuan family’s interests. He Yi Ming hesitated momentarily before saying, "Li Xun, although Hengshan is short on innate golden cores, after three thousand years of heritage, the medicine pavilion on Spirit Medicine Peak has ample extreme and energy-boosting elixirs." He paused, "Before I leave Hengshan, I'll request some. Though most will be sent to the family for distribution, I will retain some." Yuan Li Xun's eyes began to sparkle. He Yi Ming's words were clear enough; if she still couldn’t grasp their meaning, she'd be foolish. "Young Master, are you saying I have a chance to reach the tenth level of inner strength?" Yuan Li Xun asked joyfully. She never had grand ambitions. Initially, she stayed by He Yi Ming's side primarily for her younger brother's prospects. Yet, as a young woman, she cherished her looks. The stronger her inner strength, the slower her aging. Reaching the tenth level could mean staying youthful for twice as long. To men, this might not be significant, but for women, it was an irresistible allure. He Yi Ming shook his head lightly, his smile carrying an unfathomable hint that Yuan Li Xun couldn't discern. For a moment, disappointment flashed in Yuan Li Xun's eyes, but she managed a smile. Then He Yi Ming's gentle voice whispered in her ear, "Li Xun, you'll accompany me across the world. Naturally, you'll need to reach the innate realm." "Innate?" Yuan Li Xun's eyes widened, full of disbelief. He Yi Ming gave a mysterious smile, offering no further explanation. Seeing the depths in his eyes, Yuan Li Xun was filled with confidence. It seemed whatever he said, he could indeed accomplish. Unknown to her, He Yi Ming's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. One innate golden core—it probably wouldn't suffice... ※※※※ The snow blanketed the world in silver glow, making everything gleam as if etched in alabaster. Houses looked like sculptures on white marble. Though nestled among the mountains, the New Year spirit engulfed the peaks. Laughter and cheer spread over the mountaintops, faces aglow with joy. Having lived in Hengshan for months, even spending New Year without descending, He Yi Ming had grown familiar with his surroundings and the nearby peaks. Hengshan, with the main peak, Spirit Medicine Peak, and Lian Yi Elder's Wind and Fire Peak, was lively and prosperous, once home to three great elders. Other peaks housed dozens to over a hundred people. Their ancestors were once innate elders, but fallen from grace, yet remained part of the Hengshan lineage. Yu Jing Lei treated them equally, without stringent demands. In a vast library on the main peak, He Yi Ming set down a book, understanding some Hengshan stories. The Hengshan lineage did not spring from nowhere; it was founded by the direct ancestor of the Yu family. The other peaks were established by his disciples. After the founder passed, his disciples swore to ensure an innate elder's presence on the main peak to honor their master's legacy in founding Hengshan. Thus, finally, He Yi Ming understood why Yao Dao Ren and Lian Yi acted as they did. Returning the book on Hengshan's history to its place, He Yi Ming randomly picked another to flip through. The script differed vastly from the widely used text in the northwestern nations. Yet, He Yi Ming had devoted all his time outside martial arts and alchemy studies to it. He might not possess a linguistic gift, but his innate warrior status afforded him a superior memory. And when learning a new language, memory is crucial. Over time, he'd made progress. But… Glancing toward a library corner, Yuan Li Xun was engrossed in a biography penned in this script. Discontented, he approached Yuan Li Xun and asked, "Li Xun, can you truly understand this?" Without looking up, Yuan Li Xun replied, "Young Master, these are Da Shen characters from the east. Complex, but our family teaches them from a young age, so they aren't difficult." He Yi Ming's mouth twitched slightly. Such was the privilege of great families, having teachings even in Da Shen script. But in He Village, such resources were nonexistent. Gently pressing a spot on his chest, he felt a strange map whose origin was unknown. The perplexing script on that map was indeed the official text of Da Shen from the east. (To be continued...)