Book 3 Chapter 29: A Deal Between Titans - Martial God

Chapter 29: A Deal Between Titans Mao Liegong, ranked second in the Master Hall of Kairong Nation, is an innate martial arts prowess. Among the top ten innate experts of Kairong Nation, besides the legendary ancestor of the Kairong royal family who is said to have reached the Yi-line Tian realm and remains in seclusion, he is undoubtedly the number one. Not only is he claimed to be the best in Kairong, but within the sphere of influence of Kairong Nation, he ranks among the top echelon across countless countries. It is precisely because of his formidable strength that he was able to mentor Cheng Fu, a disciple at the innate level. Yet, on this day, the myth of Mao Liegong being nearly invincible among his peers was shattered. Before his clash with He Yiming, no one could have anticipated that the battle would conclude so swiftly with a single strike. The disparity between them wasn't from their techniques or experience, but from the sheer difference in power. Their clashing golden elemental energies, sharp and refined, collided intensely, resulting in a decisive defeat for Mao Liegong. Suddenly, the ground beneath Mao Liegong's feet cracked, spreading like a spider web. The unsettling sound captured everyone’s attention. The crack seemed endless, extending all the way to the gate of Shaoming Residence. In amazement, onlookers saw the gate trembling and on the verge of collapse. Only then did they realize the inconceivable destruction caused by the seemingly mundane duel between two innate masters. Those who had previously witnessed the battle between He Yiming and Cheng Fu couldn't help but marvel. It truly is a higher level clash of the innates. Though not as flashy as Cheng Fu's, the underlying destruction exceeded their expectations. The intensity was second to none. Shui Xuanjin sighed deeply, his sleeve waving, and the entire gate shuddered before collapsing with a thundering crash. Dust filled the air, and when the smoke settled, the onlookers realized that the three innate masters who once stood in the middle, along with Yuan Lixun, were gone without a trace. Under intense scrutiny, no one noticed how these people left. Exchanging uneasy glances, the crowd quietly departed from the site of strife. Nevertheless, the duel between the two innate experts spread like wildfire. Despite being a private exchange, the news traveled even faster than He Yiming and Cheng Fu’s national warfare. He Yiming's name thus etched itself even more firmly in the minds of every innate expert within Kairong’s domain. ※※※※ Inside Shaoming Residence, He Yiming and Yuan Lixun sat quietly by the garden, opposite Shui Xuanjin and the recently humbled Mao Liegong. Contrary to He Yiming and Yuan Lixun’s expectations, Mao Liegong had shed his arrogance, presenting a smiling, seemingly harmless old man demeanor. He Yiming marveled at the world’s unpredictability. Although Mao Liegong and Cheng Fu are mentor and disciple, their personalities couldn't be more different. When Cheng Fu faced defeat, he turned and left, carrying a persistent defiance. He Yiming was certain that upon return, Cheng Fu would intensify his training and perhaps gain a breakthrough, significantly enhancing his strength. Yet, after his defeat, Mao Liegong didn’t feel ashamed. Instead, he reverted to his smiling self, as if nothing had occurred, engaging in polite conversation with He Yiming, extending unexpected respect. Such demeanor led He Yiming to rank him lower in his esteem, and thus responded to his overtures with indifference. Witnessing his behavior, He Yiming concluded that Mao Liegong’s progress in martial arts had reached its peak and would advance no further. Despite looking down on his actions and character, He Yiming chose not to openly express it. No matter how brazen, I still have my dignity. Fortunately, Shui Xuanjin accompanied them. The old fox had over two hundred years of life experience, seamlessly guiding the conversation. With his vibrant rhetoric, the atmosphere remained lively. Through Shui Xuanjin's subtle probing, He Yiming selectively recounted his journey to Hengshan. Upon learning that He Yiming was not only the Guardian Master of Tianluo Nation but also an innate elder of the secluded Hengshan Sect, Mao Liegong's demeanor turned even more amicable. Though aware of Shui Xuanjin's intentions, He Yiming didn't mind leveraging Hengshan’s repute. “Brother He, how is Elder Yu Jinglei from your esteemed sect?” Mao Liegong asked, eyes gleaming. He Yiming maintained a slight smile yet internally scorned Mao Liegong’s familiarity after his recent loss. Since the inquiry was about Yu Jinglei, He Yiming couldn’t ignore it, so he jested, “Uncle Yu eats three bowls of rice each meal, healthy as can be, thanks for the concern, Brother Mao.” Mao Liegong chuckled, internally skeptical—a true innate expert needing to eat meals? Perhaps Yu Jinglei’s health is failing, leading He Yiming to spin tales. Still, seeing He Yiming's expression left him uncertain. Though Hengshan is deep within the mountains, it lies under Kairong’s influence. The Kairong royal family has long yearned for the resources atop Hengshan. Especially its medicine garden with millennia of history and its powerful alchemy chambers, both of great envy. But Hengshan hosts numerous innate experts, along with a formidable Yi-line Tian expert, enough to make any would-be usurper reconsider. “Brother Mao, have you met Uncle Yu before?” He Yiming asked, a playful spark in his eyes. Caught off guard, Mao Liegong awkwardly laughed, “Brother He, in my youth, I met Elder Yu twice, hence my concern.” He Yiming nodded slightly, dismissing him. Yet, Mao Liegong was persistent, still smiling, “Brother He, I heard it’s been sixty years since any new innate master from Hengshan emerged. Your recent joining must be a boon for them.” He Yiming grew increasingly displeased, his tone implying opportunism. With a cold smile, he retorted, “Brother Mao, your information seems outdated.” Mao Liegong hesitated, “How so, Brother He?” Expressionless, He Yiming stated, “Hengshan has long had a new innate elder. My visit merely added embellishment, not a boon.” Stunned, Mao Liegong’s expression shifted multiple times, filled with deeper doubt. He Yiming spoke truthfully, albeit reversing the timeline. Thus, even if they learned Lu Zhengyi had reached innate, they wouldn’t suspect him. Shui Xuanjin laughed heartily, growing more thrilled. Tianluo Nation now tied with He Yiming, who is an elder at Hengshan. The stronger Hengshan becomes, the more secure Tianluo’s standing. He yearned for more innate elders at Hengshan. “Brother Mao, now that Brother He is here, we can discuss the main issue,” Shui Xuanjin suggested. He Yiming’s eyes narrowed, realizing Shui Xuanjin’s summons were indeed tied to this Kairong innate master, pondering if they sought revanche through national warfare. Mao Liegong chuckled, “Brother He, my purpose here is to deliver an invitation.” “An invitation?” He Yiming queried. “What joyous occasion is your country celebrating?” Shaking his head, Mao Liegong replied, “No joyous event, but envoys from Tufan Nation have arrived in Kairong with eight innate masters.” He Yiming’s smile froze, eyes reflecting disbelief. If he heard correctly, Mao Liegong mentioned a total of twelve innate masters. Realizing this meant nearly twenty innate experts now resided within Kairong, he looked at Shui Xuanjin in silent astonishment—when did innate masters become so commonplace? Clearing his throat, Shui Xuanjin explained, “Brother He, Tufan Nation is one of three major powers in our northwest. Their innate experts match Kairong’s, and many accompanying them are Guardian Masters from their minor kingdoms.” He Yiming finally understood, but he still asked, "Why are they gathering in such numbers?" With a broad smile, Mao Liegong replied, "These innate masters have brought a large variety of rare goods and are inviting masters from various nations to trade." "Indeed, at the trading event, you can find rare medicinal herbs, refined treasures, and even elixirs being refined on-site by alchemists from both countries. Each attending innate master will receive a concentration elixir," Shui Xuanjin added emphatically. "It's an invaluable resource for disciples, not something you can easily acquire without significant cost." "A concentration elixir?" He Yiming scoffed with a dismissive laugh. He would be interested if it was an ultimate elixir, but concentration elixirs held little allure for him. Thanks to Hengshan's centuries-long accumulation, the supply of such elixirs was already abundant. He had even successfully created two batches using different main ingredients, making them even less impressive to him. His reaction did not go unnoticed by the two innate masters. Mao Liegong chuckled, "Brother He, as an elder of Hengshan, it's understandable that such elixirs might not intrigue you, but they hold great value for folks like us." Shui Xuanjin nodded internally; hidden sects typically possess their legacy of thousands of years of medicinal gardens and reside in naturally rich, secluded lands. Cultivating in such an environment offers significant advantages, even for non-innate practitioners, allowing them to reach the pinnacle of inner strength through effort alone. Thus, although they can produce numerous concentration elixirs, their demand for them remains minimal, resulting in a surplus over time. Shui Xuanjin then smiled and suggested, "Brother He, if you have any surplus concentration elixirs, you might consider trading them at the master exchange for something more to your liking." He Yiming’s curiosity piqued, he asked earnestly, "Do they trade treasures there as well?" "Of course, but you understand that acquiring items of such caliber is quite challenging," Shui Xuanjin replied. With a slight frown, He Yiming chuckled ruefully, "Unfortunately, I don't have any excess elixirs or rare treasures on me, so it seems I'll have to pass on this opportunity." In truth, he did possess a treasure—the enigmatic white boulder hidden in the valley. However, without understanding its origins and purpose, He Yiming was firm in not using it lightly. He recalled the old adage his grandfather hammered into him during their first hunt of the golden-crowned python: possessing a treasure without strength invites disaster. Mao Liegong showed a flash of surprise and glanced towards Shui Xuanjin. Tianluo Nation’s veteran master burst into laughter, "Brother He, you jest. As the nation's Guardian Master, you have a share in all rare treasures procured by the nation. Let me accompany you to the national treasury; surely, we can't let Tianluo Nation be underestimated." He Yiming was elated; he hadn't expected such privileges as a Guardian Master. Mao Liegong laughed heartily, his demeanor now worlds apart from his initial coldness, making it difficult for anyone to associate him with the person defeated by He Yiming earlier. Even after the feast concluded, his cheerful smile lingered. Before leaving, He Yiming regarded this singular innate expert with a newfound unease. When a person discards shame, they become invincible. But what happens when an innate master does so? ※※※※ For the royal family of Tianluo Nation, He Yiming's return was a monumental event. When Shui Xuanjin and He Yiming reached the royal treasury in the palace’s rear courtyard, the crown prince, Yu Xiaoyi, was already waiting. Despite his considerable authority in Tianluo, Yu Xiaoyi showed remarkable respect before the two innate masters. He opened the treasury door and, after they entered, closed it without stepping inside. Only Shui Xuanjin's chief disciple, Xue Lie, was allowed to accompany them into the treasury. "Brother He, this treasury was built by an old friend of mine, housing everything in Tianluo that’s useful to an innate master. Even strange, unidentifiable items are stored here," Shui Xuanjin proudly shared. "This treasury has always been managed and curated by Lie’er, and apart from the sovereign, no one else is permitted entry." He Yiming surveyed the treasury, astonished by its wealth. With his now keen eyesight, he quickly spotted many valuable items. Alongside a substantial number of treated spiritual herbs and medicines, there were armor and weapons exuding strange lights. Numerous odd minerals, some unfamiliar to He Yiming, were also present, though he recognized the magnetized elite steel among them. Taking a deep breath, He Yiming said, "Brother Shui, your collection is impressive. It’s quite an eye-opener for me." Shui Xuanjin chuckled, "In fact, every nation's Guardian Master has a similar treasury. Mine has existed longer, hence a slightly more extensive collection." Gesturing around, he declared, "From now on, this treasury is yours, Brother He." Xue Lie stood silently by, unaffected by the declaration, his expression unmoved. He Yiming was taken aback and hurriedly protested, "Brother Shui, I didn’t mean that." Waving dismissively, Shui Xuanjin replied, "As you know, my years are numbered. These items, no matter how fine, can’t accompany me to the afterlife. They truly serve their purpose only in the hands of an innate master. Across Tianluo, you alone are qualified to inherit them." He Yiming opened his mouth, but after a moment’s silence, he finally said, "In that case, I accept, though somewhat undeservedly." Shui Xuanjin laughed heartily, a mix of gratification and reluctance in his mirth. Passing on a century’s worth of treasures is no small act, stirring mixed emotions. He Yiming, too, sighed inwardly. Shui Xuanjin, much like Yuan Chengzhi, intended to bind him with benefits. Though the costs and values differ vastly, their underlying intent is unmistakably similar. By accepting this gift, he also assumed its responsibilities—whether it’s a boon or burden remains uncertain. "Brother He, let’s select a few items and make our journey," Shui Xuanjin suggested, a peculiar gleam in his eyes. "This will be my final attendance at such an innate gathering. We must bring something worthy, lest we be underestimated." He Yiming looked up, feeling an unexpected pang thinking of the elder’s limited time, his heart heavy with inexplicable emotion.