Book 3 Chapter 34: Meeting of Two Powers - Martial God

Chapter 34: Meeting of Two Powers Su Jun's face changed dramatically the moment He Yiming bluntly stated his intentions. His straightforwardness was so unexpected that it caught Su Jun entirely off guard. With a forced smile, Su Jun suspiciously asked, "Master He, may I ask why you're so eager to meet Master Mu Jintian?" He Yiming gave a slight smile and replied, "I've heard from Brother Mao about Master Mu Jintian's reputation as the top martial artist of the Tuban Kingdom's Bai Santian. I admire him greatly and thus wish to pay my respects." Though he mentioned paying respects, his demeanor lacked the trepidation that ordinary innate experts usually displayed when speaking of Mu Jintian. Su Jun sensed this unusual attitude. Despite his simmering anger, upon glancing at Mao Lieguang, he quickly regained composure and smiled, "Since it's Master He himself, I'll see what I can do to arrange an audience. Whether Master Mu Jintian will meet with you is beyond my say." Unperturbed, He Yiming said, "Naturally, I would appreciate your efforts." Su Jun nodded deeply towards them before turning to leave. As he turned, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes. Once Su Jun had truly left, a sly, satisfied smile appeared on Mao Lieguang's face. He Yiming looked at him confusedly, not quite comprehending what's causing his joy. Sensing He Yiming's gaze, Mao blushed slightly, coughed, and started, "Master He, this Su Jun is one of the seven innate experts accompanying Mu Jintian. His martial prowess far surpasses his peers, second only to Mu Jintian, and he’s highly trusted by both Mu Jintian and the Tuban royal family, holding a corresponding position in this delegation." As he mentioned this, a proud expression emerged on his face, "Now that he's heard your intentions, he didn’t even dare to question it, which is rather satisfying." He Yiming felt a surge of understanding, realizing Mao Lieguang likely had some past grievances with Su Jun, which explained his smugness. Moreover, judging by Su Jun's different treatment of him and Mao Lieguang, He Yiming understood that Tuban Kingdom placed considerable importance on him, even beyond that on Mao Lieguang. Understanding this, he was both puzzled and deeply intrigued. However, he was unaware that Su Jun valued him due to his age. Any faction, upon learning of He Yiming's actual age, would make the same assessment. Though Mao Lieguang was formidable, his future potential could in no way rival even half of He Yiming's. Moments later, He Yiming's ears twitched slightly, and his eyes suddenly sparkled with brilliant light. Thanks to his exceptional hearing, he heard them from afar. Several footsteps approached from a distance, moving towards his direction. Though the group was still some distance away, somehow, He Yiming sensed a formidable presence pressing towards him. Feeling such a powerful aura made He Yiming's heart surprisingly eager for the encounter. He could confidently surmise that this must be Mu Jintian, the strongest among Tuban Kingdom's eight innate experts, reputed as the top below Yixiantian. Though they hadn't yet met face to face, some mysterious connection through the air made both feel a unique kinship. Other than that person's footsteps, there were voices of several others, including Su Jun. The rest, however, were merely ordinary postnatal practitioners and held no concern for He Yiming at this moment. ※※※※ Just as He Yiming used his heightened hearing, someone at the manor frowned and looked forward with boundless surprise, eyebrows knitting with curiosity and uncertainty. This person, dressed in a splendid robe, had sharply defined and prominent eyebrows and a distinctive, rich, crimson mouth that emanated a cultured and elegant aura. His sudden halt caught everyone's attention, prompting them unanimously to stop and focus on him. In their minds, this man held a near-divine stature. Thus, upon seeing him pause, they instinctively halted their steps. "Brother Mu, have you discovered something?" Su Jun glanced toward He Yiming's location, possibly being the only one among them who understood what might be happening. Mu Jintian nodded slightly, "I have a feeling that our whereabouts may have been discovered." Su Jun's face changed slightly, "Impossible, unless it's truly a Yixiantian master, how could they evade your perception?" Mu Jintian hesitated, "In this vast world, countless secret arts abound. Even if they're not a Yixiantian expert, it doesn't mean it's impossible." The two innate experts exchanged a glance. Su Jun quickly deduced, "Keen Ear Technique?" Mu Jintian nodded, then laughed, "Keen ear or not, exceptional hearing doesn't equate to peerless martial prowess." He spoke with absolute confidence, forged over countless victorious battles against peers. If He Yiming were present, he'd surely notice how he and Mu Jintian share a striking similarity in this regard. Mu Jintian resumed his stride, as if his stop had never happened. Behind him, including Su Jun, all gazed at him with extreme admiration and respect. Even though the ordinary postnatal practitioners couldn't quite grasp the import of their conversation, it didn't dampen the immense confidence they had just felt emanating from Mu Jintian. So long as Mu Jintian stood strong, and as long as they didn't face Zhan Tianfeng of Kaiying Kingdom, they feared nothing. Moments later, surrounded by everyone, they arrived at the luxurious and opulent hall. As Mu Jintian stepped into the hall, his first sight was of He Yiming. Similarly, He Yiming's spirited gaze locked onto Mu Jintian at that instant. Their eyes flashed simultaneously, and in that moment, they fully perceived one another and sensed the unparalleled strength contained within their mortal bodies. From both of them burst forth an imposing aura, as if a volcanic eruption were taking place. The surrounding air seemed to solidify, as if a mountain pressed heavily upon everyone present. Su Jun and Mao Lieguang's expressions changed. Mao, having witnessed He Yiming's true power before, merely paled but was mentally prepared. But Su Jun was genuinely astounded. Based on intelligence from Tuban Kingdom spies, they were aware of He Yiming's true background. A seventeen-year-old innate expert, an undeniable presence to anyone. Though they had some knowledge of He Yiming's feats, they never imagined his prowess could reach such heights. Even though Cheng Fu was powerful, how could he compare to Mu Jintian, Tuban Kingdom's top genius in centuries? Before meeting He Yiming, everyone believed he was no match for Mu Jintian. Su Jun's courteousness towards He Yiming was not out of fear of his prowess but due to respect for his youth and potential. Yet in this moment, feeling the intense aura from the two of them, he realized He Yiming not only possessed potential that commanded fear but also powerful prowess rivaling even Mu Jintian, the so-called top below Yixiantian. A chilling sensation quickly engulfed Su Jun, and he found himself glancing at He Yiming with a trace of veiled dread. Seeing Mao Lieguang, he began to understand why this formidable yet morally questionable old man would bring He Yiming here. It was likely to use the young formidable expert to suppress Tuban Kingdom's delegation and innate experts. Under this terrifying pressure from two innate experts, they already struggled to endure. Consequently, the ordinary postnatal practitioners accompanying Mu Jintian were utterly overwhelmed. They suffered collateral damage under the intense presence of these two mastery experts. They all stumbled without exception. Other than a postnatal peak-level practitioner at the tenth level, the rest either knelt, crouched, or collapsed, while even the one at the tenth level seemed on the verge of falling at any moment. Mu Jintian's brow furrowed slightly. Meeting He Yiming filled him with enthusiasm, but he hadn't anticipated the excessive pressure their auras would impose on others. With a silent sigh, he felt a sense of regret, especially with a prince from the Tuban Kingdom—the Fourth Prince Bu Xingsong—being present. Given their familial connection, any harm to the prince would be, without doubt, his responsibility. Abruptly, he softened his imposing presence—not as a sign of weakness but rather employing a technique similar to He Yiming's subtle control. He Yiming, aware of the situation, glanced at the others and likewise reigned in his presence. Su Jun and Mao Lieguang exchanged a glance, inwardly acknowledging the immense strength of these two powerhouses. If the momentum had been steadily built, they might've held up. But He Yiming and Mu Jintian had instantaneously surged to the peak of their aura, then nonchalantly withdrawn it at its zenith. Such mastery over their own energy and vital force left Su Jun and Mao in admiration and self-reflection. Once their formidable auras dissipated, Mu Jintian's followers finally stood upright, though they looked at He Yiming with a fear akin to seeing ghosts, brimmed with endless terror. Mu Jintian chuckled lightly and said, "I've long heard of Brother He's reputation. Seeing is indeed believing today." Inwardly, He Yiming felt a tinge of embarrassment. Without his recent journey to Hengshan, he wouldn’t be exhibiting such confidence before this man. "You flatter me, Brother Mu," He Yiming responded with a courteous nod. "The renown of Tuban Kingdom's unparalleled talent and leader beneath Yixiantian, I've heard a lot." Mao Lieguang was momentarily taken aback, his gaze turning somewhat peculiar. All the supposed acclaim was, in truth, merely courtesy; had he not insisted, He Yiming wouldn't have known much about Mu Jintian. Inviting them inside, Mu Jintian gestured towards the hall and introduced, "This is the Fourth Prince of Tuban Kingdom, His Highness Bu Xingsong." From among the group of followers stepped forward a man in his thirties, tall and dignified with a handsome face, carrying a commanding presence. His bronze skin exuded a masculine aura. However, He Yiming's sharp gaze discerned that despite Bu Xingsong's imposing exterior and his inner strength reaching 90% internal force, it was mainly because of consuming vast amounts of elixirs rather than personal cultivation. His resilience among the group was weak, crumbling under pressure when even those at a seventh-level internal strength remained standing. Such individuals didn’t earn much regard from He Yiming. In this world, genuine respect and recognition were reserved for true powerhouses. Those enjoying high status from birth without personal merit might gain superficial respect, but not from innate masters like He Yiming. Bu Xingsong stepped forward and respectfully saluted, "Bu Xingsong greets Master He." Born into nobility and surrounded by innate masters, his reverence for them was far less than that of princes from smaller kingdoms. Although he felt somewhat awed by He Yiming after the embarrassing scene, a touch of arrogance still clung to his demeanor. Thirty-plus years of privilege fashioned his demeanor into a hard-to-break habit. Mu Jintian’s eyes held a hint of dissatisfaction and frustration. Having a special relationship with Bu Xingsong, he brought him here to meet the exceedingly young innate master as rumored. Yet, Bu Xingsong's performance failed to meet his expectations. Turning to He Yiming, Mu Jintian inquired, "Brother He's visit to see me, may I ask what purpose brings you here?" As he said this, a trace of anticipation subtly lingered in his voice. He Yiming could clearly feel the thriving battle intent emanating from him. However, with a curious smile, He Yiming replied, "Brother Mu, I just came because I heard of your great reputation and wanted to meet you. Nothing more." This response left everyone, including Mu Jintian and Mao Lieguang, stunned. He Yiming's dominant presence since entering the manor, particularly during the confrontation with Mu Jintian, made it evident he intended to challenge him. Yet, when Mu Jintian questioned his intent, He Yiming unexpectedly softened his stance, akin to a powerful punch losing its strength mid-flight. Mu Jintian's surprise was fleeting, and his eyes gained more gravity instead of scorn. From He Yiming's simple sentence, he perceived a power—an elusive strength. For the first time in decades, he felt something beyond his control. He Yiming lingered for a while before taking his leave. Once outside the manor, he bid Mao Lieguang farewell with a cheerful smile. Watching him stride away, Mao Lieguang’s face turned grim. He had planned for He Yiming to challenge Mu Jintian and stir competition. In Mao's strategy, such encounters between geniuses would inevitably clash fiercely. Their victory or defeat was irrelevant to him; any conflict benefited Kaiying Kingdom substantially. Initially, everything proceeded smoothly. The electrifying clash between He Yiming and Mu Jintian filled him with glee. But He Yiming’s eventual withdrawal disrupted all his plans, leaving him restless. From a distance, He Yiming glanced back with a hint of disdain etched on his lips. Though keen to test his martial skill with Mu Jintian, he refused to conform to Mao Lieguang’s manipulation. While he anticipated a future encounter with Mu Jintian, it wouldn't be under Mao Lieguang's orchestration. Simultaneously, in the manor, heated discussions ensued. Su Jun stepped forward, glancing around as everyone except Bu Xingsong discreetly exited the room. He asked, "Brother Mu, how do you view his strength?" After a long pause, Mu Jintian replied, "Strong, extremely strong." Su Jun took a deep breath—never before had he heard Mu Jintian appraise a Bai Santian master so highly. Mu Jintian mused to himself, "His martial prowess is unpredictable, possessing abilities elusive to any mortal force. If I could engage him in battle…" His voice faded, as if he was drifting into a mystical state.