Book 3 Chapter 26: Status - Martial God

Chapter 26: Status A year ago, Taicang County had suffered an attack by bandits, which left the city walls and numerous shops in ruins. When He first arrived there, the devastation was evident everywhere, creating a heart-wrenching scene. However, over a year later, as He returned to the outskirts of Taicang County, he found himself momentarily stunned. The towering city walls before him did not align with his memories. If not for his unwavering confidence in his own sense of direction, upon seeing these massive walls, he might have questioned whether he had taken a wrong turn. Unlike He, Yuan Li Xun had never witnessed the county town's previous desolation. Thus, she was unaware of its former state. From a distance, she marveled at the height of the city walls and the bustling crowds moving in and out, exclaiming, "Young Master, Taicang County indeed thrives. Even in comparison to our own prefecture city, it holds its own." He smiled wryly, taking her hand. Instead of entering the city directly, he used his agility skills to circle around the walls. Moments later, he had a complete grasp of the surrounding environment. This current Taicang County was more than five times larger than before. Such a grand-scale project couldn't possibly have been completed in just one year. Only one side of the city wall was fully constructed, while the other three sides merely had gates with ongoing construction actively taking place. Perhaps anticipating the city's impending prosperity, each city gate was packed with people. Although efforts were made to separate those entering from those leaving, the crowd was still quite dense. Furthermore, every section of the unfinished wall was heavily guarded by soldiers, deterring anyone from attempting to pass through unauthorized. Upon witnessing this scene, He was taken aback by the pace of construction. Before he had left home last time, he knew the county was set to be rebuilt and expanded, but for the Cheng family to accomplish it so swiftly? It seemed improbable. After a roundabout check, He and Yuan Li Xun appeared near the city gate like phantoms. He's control was impeccable; although their presence was sudden, they had halted in a blind spot from most people's view, leaving them unnoticed. Only a five or six-year-old child stared at them with wide eyes, seemingly puzzled by their abrupt appearance there. However, before the child could ponder this profound issue, He and Yuan Li Xun moved on toward the city gate. Clad not in silk and satin but merely simple cloth garments, they nevertheless exuded a distinct aura. Despite blending in with commoners, He, an innate expert, and Yuan Li Xun, now a formidable postnatal seventh-level inner strength practitioner, stood out. Though such a level might mean little in other regions, this was Taicang County, where even the third-generation disciples of the three great families could boast only one seventh-level talent, He Yi Tian. Their status here was undeniable. As they walked down the main road, a subtle distinction naturally separated them from ordinary folks. People instinctively stepped aside, maintaining a certain distance, highlighting the duo among the crowd. He frowned slightly, recognizing his lapse in awareness. Having spent so long in isolation, he had forgotten the innate formidable presence that accompanied a true expert. It would not harm the innocent, but in a crowd, it's like a lighthouse in the dark, continuously emitting a noticeable aura. A crane among chickens... such is the scene... Shaking his head slightly, unable to endure the curious glances directed at them, he firmly held Yuan Li Xun’s hand, striding forward decisively. He merely amplified the subtly thin aura he naturally emitted, one that would not harm ordinary people but would compel them to step aside. As they moved straight toward the city gate, the crowd parted without complaint. This anomaly soon caught the attention of the soldiers at the gate. Even those without perceptive insight could deduce that these two were not to be trifled with, at least not by them. One seasoned soldier, parting the ranks, rushed forward, nodding with deference, "Honored guests, may I ask your distinguished names and where you come from?" He stopped, bemusedly asking, "Is an entry record required?" Had it been anyone else posing such a query, the soldier might have slapped them. But faced with He's unabated presence, he dared not imagine such a response, replying respectfully, "Ordinary people, no. But for esteemed guests like yourselves, procedures must be followed. Please understand." The officer, bowing repeatedly as he spoke, wore a face full of sincerity. Yuan Li Xun lightly tugged on He's arm, who smiled wryly, introducing, "I am He Ming, and this is my wife Yuan Li Xun. As for our origin, that remains our own business." With that, he took Yuan Li Xun’s hand, ignoring the man as they walked away. The officer was slightly irked but dared not pursue them. Suddenly, his motion froze. Remembering the name He Ming, he paled and began to tremble. An adjacent soldier approached, "Cheng Tou Er, who were those two? They're so dismissive. Should we teach them a lesson for showing off in broad daylight?" Cheng Tou Er reacted, a cold sweat drenching his clothes. In his eyes, this previously fawning subordinate had turned into a terrifying fiend. Unthinkingly, he slapped the soldier, sending him spinning like a top. When the soldier finally collapsed, he was out cold. The surrounding soldiers were frozen in silence. They didn’t know what infraction the comrade committed, but Cheng Tou Er was from a distant branch of the Cheng family—a link enough to place him beyond their reproach. A single word from Cheng Tou Er could ruin their cushy duties, so they stiffened, cautious to remain silent. Cheng Tou Er grunted angrily, ignoring his fallen colleague, saying, "Blind fool! Holding hands is... fashionable, you idiot." He scanned the group fiercely, "Mark my words, keep sharp and avoid trouble. Today, follow orders strictly. If I catch any funny business, I'll report to the Lord Mayor and have you all skinned alive." With a final huff, he stormed off. The men exchanged glances, puzzled by their leader's outburst and sudden detour from collecting customary bribes. Nonetheless, under Cheng Tou Er’s oppressive influence, dissent was impossible. Soon, they resumed their post, surprised by the sudden honesty, refusing extra tolls even when offered. Onlookers were baffled, those witnessing He and Yuan Li Xun's entry now speculating about their identity. ※※※※ He paid no mind to the commotion behind him as he and Yuan Li Xun cheerfully wandered through the city's busiest area. Initially intending to visit his parents upon entering the city, her bright eyes softened his resolve, and he opted to accompany her on a leisurely stroll. After entering, He learned from his mistake, concealing his aura completely, leaving no trace of anything extraordinary for others to detect. Yuan Li Xun, amidst the city's vibrant scene, was visibly captivated. She absorbed the sights eagerly, saying little but taking everything in. It was as if simply observing was enough to satisfy her. He sighed with amusement. The transformation of the area over the past year had been nothing short of spectacular, leaving even him dazzled. Suddenly, his ears perked up. Although he hadn’t consciously employed his martial arts technique, when familiar voices were near, it naturally drew his attention. He squeezed Yuan Li Xun's hand, pulling her attention. She turned, seeing his peculiar expression and indication toward a direction behind them. Confused, she looked in that direction, her expression shifting to one of amused exasperation, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. There, too, was a young couple standing at a stall, browsing with shared smiles. Although they were not overtly intimate, not even holding hands, He and Yuan Li Xun could discern from their subtle interactions that their relationship was anything but simple. What truly surprised He and Yuan Li Xun was recognizing He’s fourth sister, He Yi Ling, alongside the eldest son of the Yuan family, Yuan Li Ling. Seeing them, Yuan Li Xun's first instinct was to slip her hand free from He's grip, leaving him somewhat frustrated. If only he had known, he might have chosen to ignore them. Both He Yi Ling and Yuan Li Ling were experts at the sixth level of inner strength, and they instinctively sensed being watched. They turned simultaneously to look in that direction. Upon recognizing He and Yuan Li Xun, they both exclaimed in surprise, though their reactions differed distinctly. He Yi Ling's face was filled with joy, her eyes alight with a subtle glow. Yuan Li Ling, on the other hand, wore a somewhat stiff expression, gazing at He with awe that suggested he felt more restrained than when facing his own family elders. He smiled slightly, threading through the crowd to join his sister. "Sixth Brother, you’re back," He Yi Ling exclaimed with visible delight. "You've been gone for a year. Everyone has missed you dearly." He nodded softly, acknowledging her words. Yet, in his heart, a profound warmth surged as thoughts whisked him back to childhood memories of the He family estate. Especially vivid was the image of third-generation disciples gathering in the courtyard under the guidance of their uncle for morning exercises. For some reason, this memory stood out most vividly when he thought of the He family estate. Established by He Wu De, the He family was young with few third-generation members. Yet this brevity meant the bonds among them were uniquely strong compared to ancient families with centuries of lineage. Though minor squabbles did arise, in their generation, familial ties prevailed—blood was thicker than water. Even as an innate expert, He found that the longing for and attachment to his family exceeded his own expectations upon seeing his fourth sister. "Fourth Sister, shopping?" He asked, discarding the mantle of an innate expert to speak as casually as family. "Looking to buy anything?" As he said this, his eyes flicked toward Yuan Li Ling, his mischievously knowing look causing a flush to spread across He Yi Ling's face. "Sixth Brother, don’t get the wrong idea, there's nothing between us," she insisted. "Fourth Sister, you're mistaken," He replied earnestly. "I didn't say a word." Glaring at him, He Yi Ling suddenly seemed to recall something and sighed, "Sixth Brother, when you return, please don't mention this to father, alright?" He was momentarily puzzled, concern coloring his voice as he asked, "Fourth Sister, has something happened? Is there a misunderstanding between you and Uncle?" She shook her head, remaining silent. The initial joy of reuniting with her brother had reminded her of his exceptional status. As a family scion, she knew well the weight of an innate expert, and her underlying concerns remained unspoken. He's gaze shifted to Yuan Li Ling, who bowed deeply, "Greetings, Master He." His demeanor was respectful, avoiding even a hint of disrespect. He nodded slightly, knowing it would be futile to press him for information. Yuan Li Xun, sensing an opportunity, quietly drew Yuan Li Ling aside, and the siblings whispered. "Brother, what's going on between you and Yi Ling?" He sighed, "Yi Ling and I care for each other. Our families are well-matched. But Master He Yun harbors a grudge against me, refusing to bless our union, and instead wants to match Yi Ling with someone from the Cheng or Xu families." Yuan Li Xun blinked in surprise, "Why is that?" With a bitter smile, Yuan Li Ling replied, "How could I know? Perhaps he just doesn't like me." His voice carried a trace of frustration; however, considering the He family's influence, he dared not voice his discontent. Yuan Li Xun shook her head slightly, glancing at He, who, with his abilities, had undoubtedly overheard their conversation. Sure enough, He’s brow furrowed, even as he couldn’t grasp his uncle’s thought process. However, with his discerning eye, he saw the genuine affection between the young couple. It pained him to think of their bond being severed due to his uncle’s insistence. Moreover, learning that his uncle favored alliances with the Xu or Cheng families only added to his dissatisfaction. With a gentle smile, He suggested, "Fourth Sister, let’s head back home first. I’ll speak with Uncle on your behalf. Perhaps he’ll change his mind." He Yi Ling looked up abruptly, her eyes sparkling with hope. Having gained He's assurance, she felt as though she'd grasped a life raft amidst turbulent waters and boarded safely. She knew that while He might not be a family elder, his words carried significant weight and could likely sway his father’s opinion. Though she found it hard to voice her thanks due to her shyness, her eyes conveyed how much she appreciated it. The four walked together, heading toward the He family’s city residence. He and Yuan Li Xun naturally led the way, with He Yi Ling and Yuan Li Ling following a bit farther behind. After a subtle signal from Yuan Li Xun, Yuan Li Ling’s face lit with an unusual enthusiasm. He leaned closer, whispering, "Yi Ling, do you think Master He will speak on our behalf?" He Yi Ling affirmed, "My relationship with Sixth Brother has always been strong. He will surely intercede with Father." Her eyes shone with expectation, "If Sixth Brother speaks up, our father will reconsider. In our family, Sixth Brother’s voice holds nearly half the sway now." Yuan Li Ling nodded, silently agreeing. He thought to himself that if such a powerful innate expert were in the Yuan family, he could secure not just half, but full authority without question from his father and grandfather. Suddenly, a thought struck him: If he himself became an innate expert or a tenth-level postnatal cultivator, would He Qun Yi remain opposed? He watched the two figures ahead and felt a rising, unquenchable desire to pursue martial prowess to its pinnacle. This ambition overshadowed all else, as he realized that familial power seemed small and fragile compared to such formidable strength.