Book 3 Chapter 28: Reunion with Shui Xuanjin - Martial God

Chapter 28: Reunion with Shui Xuanjin After residing in the flourishing He Family Manor for ten days, He Yiming handed over eight Extreme Golden Pills and hundreds of Energy Golden Pills to his father, with repeated instructions. He emphasized that due to the unique properties of the Extreme Golden Pill, a person might only have one opportunity in their lifetime to surpass their limits, so it must be used wisely. He Quanmeng understood the significance, carefully storing away the Extreme Golden Pills, while distributing the Energy Golden Pills, even granting one to Yuan Liling. He Yiming was pleased with his father's decision. Since Yuan Liling agreed to remain with the He family permanently, it was only right to treat him equally. He then departed with Yuan Lixun, heading to the capital of the Tiang Luo Kingdom. Everyone knew that the prosperity of He Family Manor was due to He Yiming being the national guardian of the Tiang Luo Kingdom. Even the royal family was eager to curry favor with him. Under such circumstances, even He Yiming had to reciprocate the kindness. He did not wish to disrupt these honeymoon-like days. Months after his departure, Yuan Chengzhi, the head of the Jinlin Yuan family, rushed to He Family Manor upon receiving a letter from his eldest son, Yuan Liling. Upon his arrival, he was stunned by the drastic changes he witnessed. However, in a private meeting with Yuan Liling, he immediately frowned and said, "Liling, what nonsense did you write in your letter? How can you give up the position of future family head? No woman, not even one from the He family, is worth such a choice." Yuan Liling smiled slightly and said, "Father, this decision is not made hastily but after thorough consideration." Yuan Chengzhi's expression hardened as he retorted, "Nonsense! Is a woman from the He family more crucial than the entire Yuan family in your eyes?" Yuan Liling shook his head, "Of course, there's no comparison. But, father, do you really think that just because our two daughters married into the He family, we can truly be carefree forever?" Yuan Chengzhi paused, pondering seriously for a moment, then said, "Liling, with the He family's backing, our Yuan family can indeed be at ease in Jinlin." He continued solemnly, "He Yiming's victory over Master Cheng Fu is well-known across Jinlin. I can't imagine anyone foolish enough to provoke the Yuan family." Yuan Liling sighed, "That might be true for a couple of years, but what about ten or eight years from now? If a family eager for power rises again like Fan's, how will we cope? Are we to rely on the He family every time a post-natal expert threatens us?" Yuan Chengzhi fell silent for a moment, then asked, "Liling, is this why you've resolved to stay here?" Yuan Liling stood firm, "Master He promised that if I remain with the He family, I will reach the pinnacle of the tenth layer of internal strength by age sixty." His eyes shimmered with an intensity Yuan Chengzhi could barely meet. "Once I reach that pinnacle, there might be even greater possibilities ahead." Yuan Chengzhi drew a sharp breath, fully understanding the implications. Reaching the pinnacle of the tenth layer of internal strength would open the door to becoming a Xiantian expert. He began to grasp that if the potential to become a Xiantian expert existed, someone like Liling would indeed forgo the headship of the Yuan family. The father and son exchanged a long gaze. Although Yuan Chengzhi knew this decision would greatly benefit the Yuan family, Yuan Liling was his carefully groomed successor and most cherished son, leaving him torn with indecision. Yuan Liling sighed, "Father, have you met with Lixun yet?" Yuan Chengzhi was taken aback, unsure why he brought up Yuan Lixun suddenly, and shook his head, "I've rushed here from Jinlin, so of course, I haven't met Lixun. Isn't she favored by Master He? Has she fallen from grace?" Yuan Liling gave a bitter smile, "Master He indeed favors Lixun greatly. She's already at the seventh layer of internal strength." His voice was tinted with unmistakable envy and jealousy. For years, despite his diligent efforts, he only reached the peak of the sixth layer. Yet Yuan Lixun had quietly surpassed him. This realization was a significant factor in his decision-making process. Yuan Chengzhi's eyes widened in disbelief, "The seventh layer? That’s impossible..." "Indeed, it seems impossible." Yuan Liling replied softly, "Advancing from the fifth to the seventh layer in just over a year, such speed is unheard of." His gaze returned to his father's utterly shocked face, "If Lixun has the possibility of advancing to Xiantian under Master He's guidance, would you still want me to change my decision?" Yuan Chengzhi opened his mouth but eventually sighed in resignation. At this moment, he deeply felt the allure of powerful martial prowess. Compared to that, the headship of the Yuan family seemed somewhat inconsequential. ※※※※ On the official road, a red shadow flashed past, followed by thunderous hoofbeats. The Red Silk Horse, once free from He Family Manor, reclaimed its wild nature, galloping towards the capital with its four hooves as if flying. Since its return to He Family Manor, it had enjoyed the treatment of a lord, with no one daring to ride this steed reserved for He Yiming. Over the year, it had grown rather restless. Along the way, without needing He Yiming's urging, it ran with a vigor as if venting its pent-up frustration over the year. Indeed, it was a remarkable steed. Even with He Yiming and Yuan Lixun seated, plus the formidable broadsword, it showed no sign of struggling. Such a magnificent horse would naturally please anyone, and both He Yiming and Yuan Lixun were no exception. However, they soon realized that although they cherished the horse's strength, the Red Silk Horse seemed indifferent. When allowed to gallop freely, it was fine, but if they tried to slow down, it would whinny in discontent. In the end, they had no choice but to let it be. Within a few days, they arrived at Tiang Luo's capital from He Family Manor. Upon reaching the capital, they galloped down the central avenue, attracting curious glances but facing no obstruction. Soon, they arrived once more at Shaoming Residence. As they halted before Shaoming Residence, He Yiming's ears twitched slightly, and a hint of surprise crossed his face. Yuan Lixun asked in astonishment, "Young Master, has something really happened to Master Shui?" He Yiming shook his head, "Master Shui is well, but there's another Xiantian Master within Shaoming Residence." Yuan Lixun was even more surprised. Xiantian Masters were rare, even in reclusive sects like Hengshan, numbering only a few. In Tiang Luo, there were just two, so she couldn't fathom who this other Xiantian Master in Shaoming Residence might be. However, they both sensed that Master Shui Xuanjin's summon was likely related to this person. Upon arrival, He Yiming no longer withheld his aura. Instantly, a hearty laughter erupted from within Shaoming Residence. "He brother, you returned so swiftly. It's truly beyond this old man's expectations." The doors of Shaoming Residence creaked open, and Shui Xuanjin appeared, laughter in his voice, beaming as he stepped out. He Yiming smiled and nodded, his gaze drifting past the old man to the elder beside him. "Brother Shui, who might this be...?" Shui Xuanjin turned halfway, "Brother He, this is Master Mao Lieguang from the Master Hall of the Kai Rong Kingdom." He Yiming slightly bowed, "So it's Master Mao's esteemed visit. Pardon my rudeness." Mao Lieguang's eyes remained fixed on He Yiming, his demeanor solemn, seemingly gauging He Yiming's aura. At this moment, he forced a faint smile on his face, "I've long heard of Master He's reputation, and meeting you today proves your name is well-deserved. No wonder my disciple fell at your hands." He Yiming was momentarily taken aback, "May I inquire who your disciple might be?" "My disciple is Cheng Fu," Mao Lieguang huffed. He Yiming suddenly understood, no wonder the less-than-pleasant reception, for this man was Cheng Fu’s teacher. Given his demeanor, He Yiming naturally didn't offer warmth unnecessarily and replied coolly, "So you're Master Cheng's teacher, I must apologize. But next time when I confront Master Cheng, I would require some proof of identity to avoid any deceit." Mao Lieguang's face immediately darkened, "Master He, what do you mean by this?" He Yiming met Mao Lieguang's gaze fearlessly and said, "I once sparred with Master Cheng Fu and was lucky to come out on top. But..." A sardonic smile played on his lips. "Master Mao, how many moves do you think you'll last against me?" The flash of spirit in Mao Lieguang’s eyes turned icy cold, and a mighty aura began to roil from him. He could no longer tolerate this brazen remark from He Yiming. If he didn’t respond now, his reputation would surely plummet, making him a laughingstock. Despite being unable to gauge He Yiming's true strength, Mao Lieguang knew he had no choice but to confront him. Yuan Lixun, naturally confident in He Yiming, knew with his current strength, he feared no one but possibly the most elite combatants. Even against such titans, He Yiming, armed with his skills, could easily evade. She took several steps back, retreating under the shade to observe calmly. Shui Xuanjin’s brows furrowed slightly before relaxing, also stepping back to watch the impending encounter unfold. Feeling Mao Lieguang's increasing aura, He Yiming quickly understood that this man was indeed more formidable than Cheng Fu, yet his strength at most matched that of the herbalist Daoist. After He Yiming had defeated the two-headed mystical beast, he could easily surpass the herbalist. Now, with his newfound enlightenment, his whole being was nearly overflowing with energy, earning him the title of the strongest under the breakthrough level. Thus, before they even traded blows, He Yiming was filled with unwavering confidence in victory. As his true energy pooled, his aura emanated like a tidal wave, effortlessly suppressing his opponent. Mao Lieguang’s expression turned gravely serious, inwardly troubled. After Cheng Fu returned defeated, Mao Lieguang had discussed extensively with him and concluded that although He Yiming was formidable, he was only slightly superior to Cheng Fu. The difference was marginal, and if not for them clashing over skill elements, the outcome could have been different. Mao Lieguang, a mentor to Cheng Fu and a seasoned practitioner who breached the innate level decades earlier, was once caught in an epiphany. In the Master Hall of Kai Rong, if Cheng Fu ranked in the top five, Mao Lieguang would certainly be in the top two. In Kai Rong, aside from that ancestral figure of the royal family, no one would dare claim superiority over Mao Lieguang. Mao journeyed to Tiang Luo not only to deliver a message but also to reclaim lost honor by outshining He Yiming. They believed that if Mao and He Yiming clashed, he would certainly triumph, hence Mao's provocative stance upon meeting, seeking to incite conflict with He Yiming. Yet, achieving his wish left him filled with remorse. Could this young man truly be the same He Yiming Cheng Fu spoke of? Why was his aura so overwhelmingly powerful, seemingly suppressing his own? Had he not exerted his full might in his previous duel with Cheng Fu? With every passing moment, He Yiming's aura grew ever so slightly, though never utterly dominant, it consistently overshadowed his opponent. Such precise control of one's aura revealed deliberate intent to those who could discern it. From a distance, Shui Xuanjin's eyes reflected disbelief. Witnessing He Yiming's evident transformation, he couldn't help but silently admire him, attributing his metamorphosis to the possible guidance of a top-tier practitioner from Hengshan. Yet, even Shui Xuanjin hadn’t anticipated that He Yiming’s progress would far exceed such expectations. As Mao Lieguang's face darkened further, engulfed by He Yiming's overwhelming aura, he was gripped by the sudden urge to flee. His confidence shattered, leaving no hope for victory. Sensing Mao Lieguang's wavering resolve, He Yiming laughed joyously and took a step forward. That step landed with the weight of a mountain, unsettling those around, even causing Mao Lieguang to involuntarily flinch. In an instant, Mao Lieguang's aura plummeted, entirely crushed beneath He Yiming's presence. He then noticed a fist surging towards him at an unimaginable speed. Realizing the peril, he knew retreat was not an option. Locked under He Yiming's aura, escape was impossible unless his mobility skills vastly surpassed his opponent’s. His eyebrows rose defiantly, unleashing the ferocity born from countless battles. Cornered, his fierce aura blazed forth, circulating his internal energy robustly. With a furious shout, his hands raised, arms glimmering with a strange metallic sheen. Despite being Cheng Fu's teacher, his primary and secondary disciplines were metal and earth, not fire. In this critical strike, he could hide nothing, channeling his metallic prowess to the peak, exuding a razor-sharp essence. His palms sliced through the air, leaving afterimages in their wake, resonating like a beast's final struggle against He Yiming. He Yiming smiled coldly, his hands rising with the same metallic sheen. He simply pushed his palms forward, as direct as could be. Mao Lieguang emitted a sharp cry. Though He Yiming's hands showed no complexity, they were terrifying in Mao Lieguang's eyes. The true beauty lies in simplicity. When complexity hides within a single palm, it bears unimaginable power. Innate metal combat technique, The Thirty-Six Styles of Mountain-Cutting... With a thunderous crash, He Yiming’s and Mao Lieguang’s hands collided in mid-air. Mao Lieguang's illusion of palms vanished, defeated. He grimaced, feeling an inconceivable force rushing over him, making him stumble back. After several steps, he regained his composure with difficulty, face flushed, and his breath in disarray. As he looked up, he saw He Yiming standing with his hands behind his back, leisurely, eyes offering only pity and ridicule. Enraged and shocked, blood filled his mouth, and he spat a mouthful of dark blood, his body weakening, realizing he was gravely injured. Shui Xuanjin stared in astonishment; only a single move and the outcome was decided. Moreover, He Yiming appeared to have held back. Realizing the vast gulf between the two, far greater than previously imagined, he could only smile bitterly. Around Shaoming Residence, countless eyes watched, from Shui Xuanjin's disciples and emissaries from Kai Rong, to spies from various families outside, all witnessing the scene. Those in the know were deeply shaken, realizing that past evaluations of He Yiming were now obsolete...