Book 3 Chapter 30: Unexpected Encounter - Martial God

### Chapter 30: Unexpected Encounter In the summer fields, clusters of golden flowers from the peanut plants blossomed abundantly, reminiscent of stars in the sky. The holly trees lining the roadside had leaves that glistened vividly, clustered like pale hydrangea blossoms. He Yiming slowly lowered the curtain, exchanged a glance with Yuan Lixun beside him, and as the carriage swayed gently, they shared a knowing smile. This was a convoy comprising more than a hundred people, with each guard meticulously selected from the Tianluo Kingdom, all skilled martial artists. Even the driver steering the horses possessed a cultivation level of at least seven stages of internal energy. However, everyone in the convoy knew that the true strength did not lie in these guards but in the three innate experts traveling with the convoy. It was astonishing for a convoy to include three innate experts, and if word got out, it would indeed be quite the shocking news. Naturally, those traveling with Miao Lieguang were He Yiming and Shui Xuanjin, who had prepared themselves to accompany him. To claim that He Yiming wasn't interested in a gathering of such formidable innate experts would be self-deception. So he brazenly selected some items from the royal treasury, and the three innate masters set out together. Innate experts would never be slighted anywhere they went, and Yu Xiaoyi had already prepared the best carriages, drivers, and guards for them. Everything was arranged such that they simply needed to board the carriage. Of the ten large carriages, five were luxurious ones, with one as a spare and one prepared just for Yuan Lixun. This demonstrated the meticulous consideration of the Tianluo royal family for this newly appointed master, He Yiming. Nevertheless, He Yiming and Yuan Lixun stayed in the same carriage. Over a hundred robust and valiant guards accompanied them; although these people's combat capabilities were not worth noticing by the three innate experts, they represented a formidable force to ordinary people. As they traveled, even when passing through Taicang County, no bandit group dared to entertain thoughts of robbing them. Though the Red Scarf Bandits, among the four major bandit groups, had disappeared from Taicang County, like wild grass in spring, they were never entirely eradicated. However, He Yiming knew that behind these new bandits, there must be traces of the Kai Rong Kingdom. Otherwise, they couldn't have revived so swiftly within a year. Holding Yuan Lixun's hand, He Yiming delicately explained the local geography and customs to her. Although his knowledge was limited, it didn't prevent him from improvising freely. Suddenly, He Yiming halted, lifting his head to peer into the distance through the curtain, surprise flickering in his eyes. "What's the matter, young master?" Yuan Lixun asked obediently. He Yiming shook his head slightly, "There might be some trouble, but it's none of our concern. Let them handle it." At this moment, the convoy had slowly come to a stop, not of their own volition, but because another group had blocked the road ahead. The leader of the convoy was a middle-aged man over forty named Yu Kefan, a member of the Tianluo royal family, deeply trusted by the current sovereign, hence entrusted with the crucial task of escorting the three innate masters to the Kai Rong Kingdom. Seeing the scene ahead, unlikely as it was, that anyone would dare intercept three innate experts, he still rode forward immediately. Reaching the forefront of the convoy, his gaze was sharp and immediately discerned that the blocking party was by no means ordinary riffraff. This opposing convoy numbered over two hundred people and comprised twelve large carriages, guarded by skilled fighters. Though astonished, he remained unperturbed; indeed, anyone with three innate masters in support would remain unafraid. Lifting his brows, Yu Kefan called out loudly, "Friends ahead, please clear the road." Someone from the opposing convoy stepped out. His demeanor calm, he glanced over Yu Kefan's convoy, a smile quickly forming, "Are you the leader of this convoy?" Yu Kefan hesitated briefly, feeling a sudden chill upon his back. In his convoy were three innate masters—admitting he led them might seem bold beyond measure. He snorted coldly, "Why do you inquire?" The man let out a laugh, "Brother, I notice several luxurious vehicles in your convoy. Could you sell one? Name your price." Though Yu Kefan had seen much, this was indeed a first for him. He looked again at the opposing convoy and immediately understood. Their convoy also boasted numerous luxurious carriages, but one in particular stood out, its extravagance apparent even from the exterior. Around this carriage, several people were diligently attempting repairs, evidently because it had broken down midway, causing the delay. Yu Kefan was secretly surprised; the owner of that carriage was surely significant, or they wouldn't wait so willingly. Yet, recalling the three significant figures in his own convoy, he felt emboldened. Without hesitation, Yu Kefan shook his head, "You jest; our vehicles all have purposes and are not for sale. I ask that you order your people to clear the road." The person's face darkened, his voice turning icy, "Brother, my suggestion was amicable. Offer one carriage or face the consequences..." Yu Kefan laughed to the sky, "And if we don't?" Though the person remained silent, his gaze turned increasingly cold. The atmosphere grew heavy between both sides, each gripping their weapons. The tension in the air was palpable, like a powder keg ready to explode at any moment. He Yiming furrowed his brow, feeling unfortunate to encounter such an event. Should conflict arise, neither Shui Xuanjin nor Miao Lieguang would be suitable to intervene, leaving the matter ultimately in his hands. He was slightly angered by the other's conduct, deeming it akin to highway robbery. He Yiming snorted; though they concealed their true energy within the carriage, he was prepared to reveal his presence. Yet just then, a familiar voice emerged from the opposing convoy. "General Ting, what's the matter? Is the situation dire enough to resort to weapons?" The voice carried youthful undertones, unmistakably belonging to someone not yet twenty. Upon hearing it, He Yiming felt a surge of joy. Unhesitatingly, he flung open the carriage's curtain, his body moving ghostly fast towards the speaker as if riding the wind. His speed was such that in almost the blink of an eye, he stood before the person. The stalled carriage in the opposite convoy shuddered, then burst open towards He Yiming. An elder sprang forth from the debris, intercepting He Yiming. With a thrust of his palm, a shrill burst akin to firecrackers exploded—demonstrating formidable power. Alarmed, He Yiming realized there was an innate expert hidden there too, who must have been concealing his aura similarly. Inwardly alert, he reflexively countered. With his prowess now arguably unmatched below that of a supreme innate expert, even a half-hearted strike was unstoppable. A soft boom resounded as He Yiming's stance solidified, unwavering, his eyes brimming with confidence. His opponent, struck like lightning, staggered back involuntarily, crashing into and splintering the carriage behind. It was only at this point that the two innate masters finally glimpsed each other's faces. They both voiced surprise in unison, a look of astonishment spreading across their faces. "Who goes there..." "Halt..." Voices of anger rang out, though none dared act rashly. Suddenly, a voice cried out joyfully, "Brother He!" He Yiming laughed heartily, "Mingjin, what a surprise to meet here. How have you been?" Without waiting for Xie Mingjin to respond, he turned slightly, saluting the innate master, "Ting Xiong, my apologies for my rashness earlier." The familiar voice was that of Xie Mingjin from the Fire Wu Kingdom. Given their similar ages and friendship forged before He Yiming's elevation to an innate expert, he naturally regarded Xie Mingjin with distinct warmth. Meanwhile, the one who intercepted He Yiming was the Fire Wu Kingdom's national protector, Master Ting Shiguang. At this moment, despite being an innate expert, he appeared stunned beyond belief, looking at He Yiming with an incredulous expression, as if he couldn't recognize him. Only when He Yiming saluted did he seem to awaken from a dream, stammering, "Master He, is it truly you?" He Yiming was momentarily taken aback but then couldn't help but chuckle, "Ting Xiong, if it's not me, then who else could it be?" He mused internally, wondering if Master Ting might have encountered setbacks in his martial arts training. A hearty laugh echoed from another lavish carriage nearby. Shui Xuanjin, unknown when she had disembarked, was striding briskly towards them. Not far behind her, Mao Lieguang had also left his carriage. However, unlike Shui Xuanjin's enthusiasm, he merely offered a faint nod in their direction. This demeanor reminded He Yiming of Mao Lieguang's haughty stance during their first encounter, confirming his belief that Mao Lieguang's attitude varied with individuals. He Yiming couldn't help but ponder how someone with such a disposition managed to ascend to the innate realm. Yet on reflection, he realized that such ascension was often more linked to one's personality and luck than character traits. "Ting Xiong, it's been ten years. How have you been?" Shui Xuanjin exclaimed, her eyes bright. Ting Shiguang's eyes glinted with light, "Shui Xiong, to find you here is indeed a fortuitous encounter..." His gaze shifted to Mao Lieguang, and he paused before smiling, "Shui Xiong, Brother He, are you perhaps also heading to Kai Rong Kingdom?" Shui Xuanjin nodded with a smile and glanced at the dilapidated carriage. "Yu Kefan, bring our spare carriage for Ting Xiong." The onlookers from both parties were astounded. They initially believed only their convoy included innate experts, never expecting both sides to have such formidable figures, who also seemed quite familiar with each other. Yu Kefan, not daring to lag behind, promptly ordered the spare carriage to be brought over. Ting Shiguang did not refuse, simply nodding slightly in acknowledgment by Shui Xuanjin. At their level of power and status, material possessions like a carriage were trivial. Were the roles reversed, Ting Shiguang would have acted the same. With the misunderstanding cleared, both convoys continued on their way. However, unlike before, the two groups had merged, growing even larger. The one who had previously confronted Yu Kefan was Ting Gui Li, a royal of the Fire Wu Kingdom, whose status was akin to Yu Kefan's in the Tianluo Kingdom. The two, having reconciled their conflict, swiftly became brothers-in-arms once the convoys merged. He Yiming invited Xie Mingjin into his luxurious carriage, and Xie Mingjin entered happily, pausing in surprise upon seeing Yuan Lixun. "Brother Xie, this is my wife, Yuan Lixun of the Jinlin Yuan clan," He Yiming introduced with a smile. Xie Mingjin immediately focused, bowing with sincerity, "Greetings, sister-in-law." With a sweet feeling in her heart, Yuan Lixun meticulously prepared tea and snacks for their guest. Seated comfortably, Xie Mingjin cheerfully remarked, "Brother He, even from within Fire Wu, I've heard tales of your incredible feats. Having you as an elder brother leaves me with no regrets in life." He Yiming chuckled, "Nonsense. What feats could I possibly claim?" Xie Mingjin insisted, "Of course, there have been! Defeating the Blood Butcher Lü Xinwen in Jinlin, slaying two thousand bandits in Taicang County with a single blade, and the royal duel with Master Cheng Fu of the Kai Rong Kingdom in Tianluo’s capital. Such stories have spread throughout Fire Wu." He Yiming was momentarily speechless. Dismissing tales was useless, particularly the wild exaggeration about slaying two thousand men with one stroke. He had already learned that denying rumors only seemed to fuel them further, so he simply let them be. After chatting for a bit, He Yiming learned why they had unexpectedly appeared there. The Fire Wu Kingdom, a small nation within the sphere of the Kai Rong Kingdom's influence, had also sent an invitation for the gathering of innate masters, prompting Ting Shiguang to call on Xie Mingjin to accompany him. Their intention had been to meet He Yiming in the capital of Kai Rong, never expecting to encounter him before reaching their destination. Meeting Xie Mingjin again, who, while slightly more mature, remained largely unchanged in nature, made He Yiming feel particularly at ease. Such ease grew increasingly rare as He Yiming's strength surged. Even within He Family Village, such feeling was reserved only for time spent with his cherished younger brother, Yi Tao. As for his other siblings, even with his eldest brother Yi Tian, who always felt like family, there was a noticeable and growing restraint in their interactions with him. Despite He Yiming's efforts to change this, some aspects simply refused to align with his wishes. After a moment’s pause, He Yiming made a decision and spoke, "Brother Xie, when I attained the innate stage at your esteemed residence, I promised Elder Zhi En that within three years, if successful, I’d return to bolster his meridians, aiding his breakthrough to the innate realm." Xie Mingjin's expression turned serious, eyes fixed unwaveringly on He Yiming. He Yiming smiled subtly. Xie Mingjin was still the same, wearing his thoughts openly, which made He Yiming regard him fondly. "My schedule is tight, but I'll be staying in Kai Rong for a while. If Elder Zhi En wishes to join us there, it would be ideal." Xie Mingjin nodded with enthusiasm, agreeing readily, and immediately dispatched a trusted aide to return to Fire Wu. Despite his advanced age, Elder Xie Zhi En was quite spry. For a chance at the innate stage, even a journey across multiple northwestern states would be welcomed with eagerness. ※※※※ In another luxurious carriage, Shui Xuanjin sat across from Ting Shiguang. They were old friends despite over fifty years of age difference, their bond strong. Ting Shiguang gestured, "Shui Xiong, it surprises me to see Mao Lieguang personally accompanying you. That carries weight." Shui Xuanjin smiled wryly, "You know his temperament. Were it not for He Yiming curbing his arrogance, he wouldn't be so compliant." Ting Shiguang's eyes gleamed, "So the rumors of Master He defeating Mao Lieguang with a single strike are true?" Shui Xuanjin smiled with pride, unable to hide his satisfaction, as if the feat were his own. Ting Shiguang opened his mouth, murmuring, "Impossible, impossible..." Shui Xuanjin, displeased, asked, "Ting Xiong, what about this is impossible?" Ting Shiguang gave a bitter smile, "Perhaps you're unaware, Shui Xiong, but Master He advanced to the innate realm within our Fire Wu Kingdom. His success came less than two years ago." He took a deep breath, "Less than two years—can such brief training truly surpass Mao Lieguang?" Shui Xuanjin was about to speak but paused. Indeed, he shared similar thoughts. Ascending to the innate stage signified incredible talent—surpassing prodigies was one thing, but what if someone transcended even them? A silence fell between them, though in Ting Shiguang's mind, a silent regret gnawed at him. Had they foreseen He Yiming’s potential earlier, the Fire Wu royal family might have spared no expense to secure him as their national protector master. However, at this moment... As Ting Shiguang looked at the contemplative Shui Xuanjin, the envy and jealousy in his heart defied description.