Book 3 Chapter 22: Grand Return - Martial God

**Chapter 22: Grand Return** Atop the main peak of Hengshan, lanterns and decorations filled the area, creating a festive atmosphere brimming with joy. The plaza at the main peak was the largest platform of Hengshan. When the first generation ancestor built it, it could only accommodate a little over a thousand people. However, after three thousand years of continuous expansion and renovation, the current platform easily accommodates over ten thousand people. At this moment, everyone who arrived at the main peak had a peculiar gleam in their eyes. Whether or not they were truly happy inside, the expression on their faces was undoubtedly one of joy. Today marked the grandest celebration the Hengshan lineage had experienced in decades. Not since Elder Yu Xichen achieved the innate stage sixty years ago had there been such fervor. Those who had attended the gathering six decades ago couldn't help but reminisce as they pointed and prattled about past events to the younger generation. Most of the young attendees, though excited, frequently cast their gazes towards the entrance of the main peak plaza, as if awaiting someone's arrival. There were numerous peaks surrounding the Hengshan lineage, though only six were truly significant. Aside from the main peak and the Spirit Medicine Peak, the others were the Wind Fire Peak, Spirit Jade Peak, Thumb Peak, and Broad House Peak. Over the past three thousand years, these six peaks had been home to countless innate experts, forming the core pillars of the Hengshan lineage. Although many innate experts had also emerged from smaller peaks, they rarely had the same lasting impact. Once such experts on the smaller peaks passed away, their disciples and descendants typically returned to these main peaks, awaiting a new generation's rise. Currently, over two thousand individuals resided across Hengshan. Living in such picturesque surroundings, their martial arts training was notably superior to ordinary outsiders. Among the Hou Tian experts, dozens had reached the tenth layer of internal energy. Despite this, in the past sixty years, no new innate experts had arisen through their own efforts. This was a shared pain in the hearts of all at Hengshan. However, on this day, everyone learned that Hengshan's outcast, He Wude, not only found two innate inner pellets but also brought his grandson, He Yiming, a young yet formidable innate expert, into the Hengshan fold. This news injected a potent dose of confidence into all Hengshan disciples. Consequently, everyone who could make it had already gathered at the main peak plaza. Except for essential personnel left behind at each peak and a few elders, women, and children who couldn't attend, no one was absent. "Master, is Elder He really only seventeen years old?" "Of course, do you doubt the words of the grandmaster?" "I believe it, but can someone really reach the innate stage at seventeen?" "Well... it seems possible." Such whispered conversations were quietly exchanged around the plaza. Though He Yiming had been at Hengshan for several months, he preferred not to wander about. Besides frequenting the library at the main peak and the alchemy rooms and medicinal gardens of Medicine Peak, he rarely ventured elsewhere. Under these circumstances, aside from the disciples of Spirit Medicine Peak, few at the main peak had seen his true face, let alone those from other peaks. Hence, for He, this unseen but renowned Elder, there was an indescribable anticipation among the crowd. At last, a gigantic bell resounded atop the mountain, and a solemn and dignified atmosphere instantly spread. The entire main peak plaza fell silent; even the faintest whisper vanished. The mountain's great bell was not to be rung casually. It was only tolled for significant events in Hengshan's history to open the Ancestor Hall. Today's bell-ringing signified the emergence of a new innate expert. An innate expert is a pivotal figure in any sect. Celebrating the arrival of such an expert with grand ceremonies is never excessive. Slowly, the plaza's great doors opened, and Yu Jinglei, leading three great innate elders, followed closely behind. Hengshan's four most important and powerful figures walked out slowly from the gate. Their gazes were like lightning, scanning across the steps. Everyone below, whether white-haired elders or five-year-old children just starting to practice internal energy, lowered their eyes, not daring to meet their gaze. After a moment, Yu Jinglei nodded slowly, and Yu Xichen stepped forward, announcing loudly, "Disciples of the main peak, heed the call. The Ancestor Hall is to be opened." Everyone's eyes fixed unanimously on the mountain's pinnacle with admiration and respect. They all knew that those who enter the Ancestor Hall, honored by generations of disciples, must be of the innate realm. These individuals represent the most proud figures throughout Hengshan's three-thousand-year history. Each person here hoped to achieve the innate stage within their lifetime so that, upon death, they might gain entry into the Ancestor Hall. However, for the vast majority, this aspiration remained out of reach. The heavy bronze doors slowly opened where all could see. Over time, as per tradition, people began to bow reverently – except for the four innate elders. Yu Jinglei himself lit the first incense for the ancestors, followed by the three elders, the heads of each peak, and all those who reached the pinnacle of the Hou Tian's tenth layer of strength. Those honored to offer incense were the backbone of Hengshan. If the ancestors within the hall founded their legacy, then today's individuals uphold it as its unwavering pillars. They too were met with looks of envy and admiration, inspiring countless below to strive for greatness, aiming to become peak Hou Tian masters or even attain the innate stage. Every opening of the Ancestor Hall was a rare experience for many disciples, providing a profound motivation. Yu Jinglei and the other three elders saw all this and exchanged a glance, satisfied with the scene. They silently lamented their inability to disturb the Ancestor Hall as they wished, or they might have initiated such events every decade or two. Each person entering the hall to offer incense carried out their actions with unwavering reverence and precision. Finally, when all offerings were complete, Yu Xichen announced solemnly, "Bow to the ancestors." Even Yu Jinglei himself knelt in respect. In such a ceremonial atmosphere, even those initially lacking sincerity were compelled to exhibit wholehearted devotion. Only after completing the entire ritual did everyone finally stand. Yu Xichen's voice resonated with authority: "In the presence of our ancestors, He Wude, step forward." "Yes..." A voice, equally resonant but laden with age, emerged from the plaza's entrance. All eyes turned to see an elderly figure, white-haired yet brimming with vitality, appearing at the entrance. He Wude's eyes gleamed with emotion as he scanned the plaza; over forty years ago, this was where Yu Jinglei had expelled him. At that time, the plaza was filled with eyes of disdain and scorn. He had dreamed of returning, driven by a desire to restore his honor. Now, nearly two thousand people gazed at him with admiration. To allow an expelled member to re-enter the main peak, especially with the Ancestor Hall open... He Wude took deep breaths, pride evident in his eyes. This lifetime, indeed, hadn't been lived in vain! As he moved towards the Ancestor Hall, the crowd naturally parted, leaving a broad, straight path as if welcoming a triumphant general home. His face was flushed with emotion, knowing only innate elders usually received such ceremonial honor. Yu Jinglei had deliberately arranged this grand return to compensate for the pain of his past expulsion. Of course, He Wude knew the true reason for this extraordinary honor lay in He Yiming. Without his innate grandson, even with two innate inner pellets, he wouldn't witness such glory today. Satisfied but knowing the path would soon end, He Wude halted before the Ancestor Hall, though somewhat reluctant, knelt respectfully, and proclaimed, "Outcast of Hengshan, He Wude, pays respects to the ancestors." Yu Xichen nodded slightly and announced in a clear voice, "In the presence of our ancestors, although He Wude was expelled from Hengshan, he has shown unwavering loyalty and dedication to Hengshan for decades. This time, He Wude has rendered great service to our sect by bringing Elder He Yiming into our fold. In light of this, the elders of our sect have decided to restore He Wude's status as a disciple of Hengshan." He then turned sharply and asked, "He Wude, do you wish to return to our sect?" He Wude lifted his head, and with a voice born from the depths of his soul, he thunderously declared, "I do." His voice echoed across the plaza like thunder, reverberating around everyone’s ears. Moved by the sincerity in his voice, the plaza once again fell silent, with every gaze upon He Wude filled with different emotions. They asked themselves, if placed in his shoes, could they act as He Wude had? Gradually, many eyes turned towards him with a blend of respect. They realized their own feelings for Hengshan likely did not surpass those of this devout, white-haired elder. After performing three kneels and nine kowtows before the ancestral tablets, He Wude approached the Medicine Elder, kneeling heavily. "Master, your disciple has returned." He had spoken these words the first time he returned to Spirit Medicine Peak and met the Medicine Elder. Now, under the witness of thousands from the Hengshan lineage, he repeated these words as he formally rejoined his ancestral home. However, the significance of these words felt worlds apart between those two moments. At this moment, countless elders experienced a twinge of nostalgia, reminiscent of the scene over forty years ago. Back then, no one imagined that He Wude could not only return but do so in such grand fashion. The Medicine Elder pulled He Wude to his feet, nodding with satisfaction. "Wude, you may go." He Wude responded and joined the section where the Spirit Medicine Peak disciples stood. Led by He Wujin, many offered heartfelt congratulations, with He Wujin warmly grasping He Wude's hand. Four hands came together tightly, conveying countless unspoken words. Yu Jinglei stepped forward, prompting Yu Xichen to discreetly retreat, aware that his part for the day was complete. Upon Yu Jinglei's emergence, the plaza naturally fell silent, understanding the reason behind the presence of the most esteemed figure in Hengshan. Following He Wude's return, the plaza's atmosphere reached a climax, with all eyes fixed on the revered Yu Jinglei as he stood on the steps. The elder, with a grave expression, spoke softly, "He Yiming, please step forward." The sound of his voice carried across the plaza, and once more, all eyes turned towards the entrance. But there, no one stood... Just as questions arose in their minds, a figure suddenly appeared. It was a young man, unremarkable in appearance, save for his eyes that shone like stars. Anyone who met his gaze felt a tremor in their heart, involuntarily lowering their eyes, unable to meet his directly. Aside from those who had previously met He Yiming, an overwhelming sense of awe filled the spectators. Although they had heard He Yiming was only seventeen, hearing and seeing are entirely different experiences. Witnessing his youth first-hand left them stunned beyond words, especially those who had reached the pinnacle of the tenth internal energy layer. Their reactions were far more complex than those of ordinary disciples. As He Yiming stepped forward, much like He Wude had, he walked the straight path through the center of over a thousand people, towards the Ancestor Hall. He distinctly felt the immense pressure from the countless gazes upon his back. Though He Wude, being a tenth-layer master, might not fully sense this concentrated pressure, He Yiming, as an innate expert, could. He realized that with over a thousand skilled practitioners here, dozens at the peak of internal energy, the pressure they exerted far surpassed that from the thousands who watched his duel with Cheng Fu. Yet, as an innate expert, He Yiming merely straightened his back, allowing his energy to circulate unperturbed, remaining unruffled. Thoughts drifted back to New Year sparring matches with cousins at He Family Village. Back then, under the watch of mere hundreds of servants, he was anxious. But now, amidst the scrutiny of thousands of practitioners, he stood at ease. In just a few short years, experiences had rapidly matured him. In this moment, he felt as though he had transcended to an entirely different era... "He Yiming." Yu Jinglei lightly coughed, fixing his gaze on him and asked with gravity, "Do you wish to join the Hengshan lineage?" Startled, He Yiming lifted his head, his confusion fading, replaced by solemnity. "I do." The words were clear and resonant, ringing across the plaza that was so silent a pin drop could be heard. Even the four elders who knew the answer could not help but release a subtle sigh of relief, exchanging glances filled with indescribable joy. "Good." Yu Jinglei exclaimed with satisfaction before proclaiming loudly, "Before our ancestral spirits, from this day forth, He Yiming is inducted into the Hengshan lineage as our fourth innate elder." He turned and knelt first, soon followed by the Medicine Elder and others. He Yiming "heard" the sound of everyone behind him kneeling again, including his grandfather, He Wude. Without anyone needing to instruct him, He Yiming instinctively knelt, blending in with the crowd. The induction of an innate expert was evidently more ceremonious than the restitution of He Wude. Under Yu Jinglei's leadership, He Yiming not only performed the requisite kneeling and kowtowing rites but also, accompanied by the elders, was introduced to the hall's tablets, learning about the ancestors. A full day passed before this grand ceremony concluded. In the end, Yu Jinglei dismissed the disciples, and before the Ancestor Hall, solemnly presented a bronze token, saying, "Elder He, this is the emblem of the elders of our Hengshan lineage. Please accept it and guard it carefully." Receiving the token with both hands, He Yiming observed the clouds and mountains intricately engraved upon it, immediately recognizing it as representative of Hengshan's natural surroundings. Particularly, the main peak stood tall, seemingly piercing the heavens. As he accepted the token, He Yiming understood that he was now an official member of Hengshan. His fate was inextricably linked with this great sect until the very end of his days...