Book 3 Chapter 27: Decision - Martial God

Chapter 27: Decision Before He even reached the courtyard, he could already hear the clamor of several people from within the manor. Among these voices, he distinctly caught mentions of the "Sixth Young Master." Slightly surprised, He realized that news of his return must have already spread throughout this place. Sure enough, as he turned a corner, he immediately saw someone peeking out from the front of the estate. Upon seeing him, the person was overjoyed, turned around, and ran inside, loudly announcing, "The Sixth Young Master is back! The Sixth Young Master is back!" Upon hearing this shout, a group of people, as if they had been prepared long ago, surrounded a noblewoman and walked out. He's eyebrows subtly twitched. With just one glance, he could ascertain that the woman at the center of everyone's attention was his mother, Lin Wen Yu. However, even though it had only been a year since they last met, Lin Wen Yu looked so different that even He could hardly recognize her. It wasn't that her appearance had changed dramatically, but rather that her clothing and even the entirety of her demeanor seemed to have transformed. From an unassuming, modest housewife, she had suddenly become a stately, noble lady. This transformation was something He found somewhat hard to accept at first. Beside his mother were several other noblewomen and young ladies, whose presence was even more regal than his mother's. Yet, their faces were filled with ingratiating smiles. Anyone with eyes could see that Lin Wen Yu was undoubtedly the center of their attention. He sensed that his mother had likely been influenced by these women, which explained her remarkable transformation. Nonetheless, He harbored no resentment toward it. As long as his mother was happy, what harm was there in changing a bit? As he moved swiftly to his mother’s side, He gently said, "Mother, why did you come out in person?" Lin Wen Yu tightly held He's hand, and for that moment, everyone else faded from her view. No matter to what extent He Yi Ming excelled, in her eyes, he would always be her son. This bond of kinship, even at life's end, could never be severed. He looked up, his gaze sweeping across the faces of the gathered women. None of them were familiar to him. Lin Wen Yu then realized her oversight; she did not let go of her son's hand and began introducing them one by one. Soon enough, He understood that these were the women and young ladies from prominent families like the Chengs and Xu’s, or influential households within Taicang County. Lin Wen Yu sighed lightly, saying, "Yi Ming, over this past year, your father has been so busy that he hasn't been able to attend to home matters. Your siblings have been focused on honing their inner strengths within the manor, leaving only me here, feeling quite lonely. Thankfully, these sisters make the effort to come by and keep me company, or else this time would indeed have been unbearably dull." He understood well that the He family estate was currently in a period of swift development, and naturally, his father and others were frantically busy. He surmised that even the family's third-generation descendants were likely involved. As for his mother, upon recognizing the clarity in her eyes, He was assured she was content. The manner in which she dressed was vastly different from before, but from another perspective, it demonstrated that the He family had gained acknowledgment from the major clans in Taicang County; they were now truly rooted within this county and no longer subject to collective ostracism. He silently sighed, realizing that each family member was striving for the family’s future, playing their unique role regardless of their personal satisfaction. Following the introductions, they all entered the courtyard together, where He immediately spotted Cheng Jia Hui waiting with a cheery demeanor. Although he did not regard the contemporary head of the Cheng family with much esteem, his status as the father of his sister-in-law warranted He’s respectful attention. Through Cheng Jia Hui's introductions, He learned that his return had been leaked by the gatekeeper. Having been away from Taicang County for over a year, He had not realized the extent of his renown within this city. People here might not know who the city lord was, but the name He Yi Ming was unquestionably familiar. Lin Wen Yu ordered a banquet to welcome He home and cleanse him from travel fatigue. At the banquet, He naturally became the focal point, maintaining an enigmatic smile, which only deepened the reverence of those present, his mother included, under the aura of a congenital master. After the banquet, He conversed privately with his mother and learned of the tremendous changes that had occurred at the He family estate. With unwavering support from the Tianluo royal family, the He Manor no longer had any financial worries. Additionally, nearly ten percent of the shops in a newly constructed city had been pre-assigned to the He Manor. Once the city was completed, these properties would promise immense wealth, to be rented out or managed directly. Furthermore, even the entire Taicang County reaped significant benefits. Due to He's emergence as a congenital strongman, Taicang officially entered the highest echelons of the Tianluo Kingdom's attention. Its future prosperity was assured. The present conditions differed entirely from previous times. The He family had indisputably become the premier family in Taicang County. In the city, only Lin Wen Yu resided, while He Quan Ming and He Quan Yi remained at the estate. Though Lin Wen Yu was just a woman, anyone daring to encroach upon the He family's urban properties wouldn't even give her the chance to act — the Cheng family would readily quash any threats in their infancy. He then inquired about He Yi Ling and Yuan Li Ling. Regarding this matter, even Lin Wen Yu could only display helplessness. The three He brothers appeared easygoing, but when they set their minds to something, they resembled obstinate bulls that couldn't be redirected. Due to He Quan Yi's opposition, He Yi Ling and Yuan Li Ling finally gave in and left their hometown to unwind in the city. He gently shook his head, not quite grasping the reason behind it. Yet, after learning about the current status of the manor, his longing grew more intense, and he immediately expressed his desire to return. For him, Taicang County was merely a waypoint on his life's journey. His true home remained in the place where he had grown up. Lin Wen Yu unhesitatingly agreed and ordered the servants to prepare horses. When she mounted the tall horse, He confirmed in his heart that his mother had not changed in essence. She was still the resilient and supportive woman who had helped his father carve a path in Taicang County. They galloped swiftly from the city towards the He Manor. It was late by the time they reached the city gates, but as soon as Lin Wen Yu revealed the He family's insignia, the gatekeeper unhesitatingly opened the gates to let them pass. News of their departure quickly reached those who hadn’t yet managed to pay their respects. They could only wait patiently for the next opportunity. ※※※※ Riding fast along the main road, He’s longing to go home was like an arrow loosed from a bow. Were it not for the presence of his mother and other relatives, he would have ventured ahead alone. Compared to his current prowess and agility, these commonplace horses seemed ordinary indeed. Two hours later, along a familiar, unforgettable path etched into his memory, he finally reached his... unfamiliar estate. As he gazed upon the towering walls before him, he could scarcely believe his eyes. A grand, imposing wall, even larger than the Xu family's fortress, now stood a kilometer beyond the original perimeter of the He Manor. This tall and solid wall enclosed the entire He estate. His penetrating gaze held a gleam of understanding. Though he had once aspired to construct a sturdy barrier like the Xu family fortress for the He Manor, he never imagined that his wish would be fulfilled so promptly and splendidly. Lin Wen Yu looked at the walls, then at He, who was silently taking it all in, and said, "This was ordered by the Tianluo Kingdom’s ruler. Thousands of laborers were gathered, and materials were brought in from across the nation. The Lin family spared no effort in orchestrating it, completing the task in ten months." She paused, her gaze on He filled with pride, and said, "Yi Ming, this wall was erected because of you." He, slightly taken aback, asked, "What?" Lin Wen Yu replied solemnly, "The Tianluo royal family and the Lin family did this to express goodwill toward you. If you hadn't become a congenital expert, the national guardian for Tianluo Kingdom, and defeated Master Cheng Fu, this wall would not exist." Understanding dawned upon He as he regarded the towering wall with profound gratitude in his heart. Even though He knew that his family would reap considerable benefits due to his influence, the extent of such advantages still caught him somewhat off guard. From atop the city walls, a loud voice declared, "Who goes there? This is the He Manor, home of the Tianluo Kingdom's National Master, He Yi Ming. Dismount and do not act rashly." He touched his nose, feeling a hint of embarrassment even with his years of experience. Noticing her son's expression, Lin Wen Yu smiled knowingly and said, "I am Lin Wen Yu. Open the gate and inform the second and third lords that the Sixth Young Master has returned." An eerie silence fell over the wall, as if the world itself paused for a brief second. But it was just a moment before the silence was shattered by a thunderous cheer. Suddenly, chaos erupted. Some rushed down to open the gate, while the more quick-witted among them sprinted towards the main courtyard a thousand meters away, their shouts echoing despite most residents being asleep, "The Sixth Young Master has returned..." Naturally, many people gathered closer, hesitant to approach, but eager to catch a glimpse of the renowned master of innate strength, hoping to see him through the gaps in the crowd. He Yi Ming, curious, asked, "Mother, why are there so many servants at home now?" Though it was late, the sheer number of people atop the city wall exceeded his expectations. If this were a daily occurrence, how many people would there be in the entire manor? Lin Wen Yu sighed with a bitter smile, "The manor has grown, and we lack the manpower. The royal family, the Lin family, and local magnates generously provided us with servants and aides. Otherwise, it would be impossible to manage." He sighed inwardly. This was one of the greatest shortcomings of shallow roots—rapid expansion often came with such unforeseen challenges. His father likely resided in the manor just because he was uneasy about the main family's matters. Shortly thereafter, they entered the city walls. Though it was night, He could see with perfect clarity. The interior had undergone significant renovations, similar to the Xu family fortress. There was ample farmland, newly constructed buildings, and even hints of an inner and outer fortress division forming. He Quan Ming and his brother, as well as their third-generation kin, arrived swiftly. Their reunion was filled with joy, so much that even the usually stern He Quan Yi cracked a rare smile. He informed his grandfather and others about the recent developments, assuring them that they could focus on their progress here. Once his eldest uncle successfully achieved congenital mastery, they would return to He Manor. With the eldest uncle's presence, He Manor would be truly unbreakable. He Yi Ming keenly noticed that when his big brother arrived, two women, Cheng Yan Li and Yuan Li Wen, accompanied him. Whatever their relationship might be privately, they at least presented a united front publicly. He's ears twitched slightly as his attention caught something, and he glanced at Cheng Yan Li's stomach. Though doing so might seem impolite, those in the know praised He's instincts—being an innate master allowed him to immediately notice such things. A hint of delight appeared on He's face, and he said, "Congratulations, big brother." He Yi Tian laughed heartily, while Cheng Yan Li blushed. "Do our grandparents know?" He asked. "Not yet," He Yi Tian replied with a wry smile. "About five days after Grandfather and Father left, we discovered it." He sighed softly, "If Grandfather knew that the He family was about to welcome a fourth generation, he’d be overjoyed." He Quan Ming nodded, "Indeed. Should we send someone to Hengshan to inform Father and the others?" He pondered for a moment, then shook his head. "It’s not just about reaching Hengshan safely. Right now, Uncle is in seclusion and cannot be disturbed. In one or two years, assuming all goes well, Uncle will return safely. Everything can be discussed then." Everyone nodded in agreement. Once He Yi Ming made a decision, even He Quan Ming’s brothers offered no objection. ※※※※ That night, as everyone dispersed, He noticed a silent plea in his fourth sister's eyes. He gave a slight nod and whispered, "Fourth Sister, meet me at the rear courtyard." With that, he proceeded to his third uncle's room. He stated his purpose sincerely, "Uncle, given our He family's current status, there's no need to use our daughters for familial alliances. Since Fourth Sister and Yuan Li Ling are fond of each other, why not let them be?" He Quan Yi remained silent for a while before finally saying, "Yi Ming, do you think I want to break them apart? I simply can't let go." He looked at his uncle, puzzled and unsure. He Quan Yi shook his head slightly, "You haven’t been a father, so you can’t understand my feelings. While Yuan Li Ling is a fine young man, he’s the eldest grandson of the Yuan family and destined to lead them. Taicang County is not close to the Yuan family; if Yi Ling married into their family, lacking her parental support, she'd be beholden to her in-laws." Using an uncompromising tone, he continued, "Since she was young, Yi Ling was always gentle; even if she suffered grievances, she wouldn’t complain. In Taicang County, we could still watch over her, but moving far to the Yuan family leaves us powerless to help, so I cannot agree." He was caught utterly speechless, never expecting his uncle's opposition rooted from such concerns. Considering the plight of the spouses of practitioners, their position could indeed be difficult—something observable within the He family itself. Understanding his uncle's affectionate worry was natural. Leaving his uncle's room, He went to the rear courtyard. Not only was He Yi Ling there, but Yuan Li Ling was also present. Though they appeared calm, their hearts were undoubtedly filled with anxiety. After hesitating, He sent his fourth sister away and faced the increasingly tense Yuan Li Ling, revealing his uncle's concerns plainly and said, "Yuan, if you wish to marry my Fourth Sister, you must renounce your claim as the Yuan family’s future leader and always remain with the He family." Yuan's expression changed continuously, seemingly torn. Finally, gritting his teeth, he asked, "Master He, if I remained with the He family, could I achieve something in martial arts?" He was elated. Though he wouldn’t make guarantees lightly, helping someone advance in martial arts for his sister’s sake was something he could easily do. "Given your potential, reaching the pinnacle of the eighth level of inner strength would be your lifetime limit. The chances of breaking through to the ninth level are minuscule. However, if you stay with the He family, I guarantee you’ll reach the peak of the tenth level of inner strength before sixty." Yuan Li Ling’s eyes gleamed, finally declaring, "With Master He’s promise, Ling is willing to forgo the Yuan family leadership and stay with the He Manor, living in harmony with Yi Ling till old age." A bright light flashed in He's eyes. Although the matter concluded satisfactorily, he couldn't shake a lingering perplexity. He realized that the most enigmatic aspect of this world was indeed the human heart. Whether it was a woman's or a man's heart, it was not something he could easily fathom.