Book 3 Chapter 36: Family Letters - Martial God

Chapter 36: Family Letters The moment the roar, like that of a wild beast, resounded, the expert who had injured several Xie family guards moved instantaneously. His movements were as swift as lightning, crossing several meters in a single step to arrive beside Xie Ming Jin. Extending his wrist, this person amazingly managed to intercept the projectile launched by Xie Ming Jin with perfect timing. Xie Ming Jin's heart sank to its deepest depths. Such terrifying skill could likely only be matched by his uncle or father within the Xie family. He immediately understood that this person who had jumped off the horse was undoubtedly a top-notch expert of the tenth internal strength layer, at the pinnacle of the mortal realm. After intercepting the projectile, that person still unleashed a palm strike. The strike was not fierce, and its power was lacking, yet its speed was astonishing. Xie Ming Jin barely leapt away, trying with all his might to evade the strike, but before he could react, he felt a force strike him. A bone-penetrating pain quickly spread from the point of impact throughout his body. His body flew several meters through the air, finally hitting the ground heavily, his face contorted from the excruciating pain. Yet, in that moment, he managed to clearly see the faces of the horseman and the one who had struck him. The images of these two people were permanently etched in his memory... The horsemen swiftly rode away, and the expert of the tenth internal strength layer also left with the cavalry. However, before departing, he noticed the luxurious carriage parked on the side of the main road. Upon seeing the emblem on the carriage, his expression momentarily faltered, and then his face changed slightly. Quickly, he chased after the cavalry again, raising a cloud of dust as he departed. Yet, after catching up with the cavalry, he immediately issued a command to one of the members. Though the member was puzzled and indifferent to the command, he dared not defy it. Silently, he dismounted and sneaked back to observe the aftermath in secret. Xie Ming Jin lay twitching on the ground for a long while before he managed to catch his breath through the intense pain. As he struggled to his feet, he saw Yuan Li Xun looking utterly disheveled. Seeing her face clearly, he couldn't help but gasp. A deep, long bloodstain marred Yuan Li Xun's face. Instantly, he thought of the bizarre whip strike unleashed by the leading horseman. He immediately understood that the whip was deliberately aimed at Yuan Li Xun's face. Though Yuan Li Xun was also at the sixth internal strength layer, not inferior to him, she lacked combat experience due to her upbringing by Xie Nuan Yi’s meticulous tutelage. Meanwhile, Xie Ming Jin had honed rich combat experience, being raised within the family's focused training. Therefore, when faced with the sudden whip, Yuan Li Xun had no time to dodge and was directly struck. However, she was the sole person who had not engaged with the terrifying tenth-layer expert, so apart from the whip mark on her face, she suffered no other injuries. The two luxurious carriage drivers only dared to approach after witnessing the earlier events. Helpless until the cavalcade departed, they cautiously came forward to assist. Xie Ming Jin's face had long turned livid. He took a step forward and said, "Sister-in-law, please get into the carriage." Yuan Li Xun, feeling the burning pain on her face, couldn’t help but feel anxious about her appearance. As a young woman, she cared deeply for her looks, and knowing for sure that she was now disfigured, her mind was a confused mess, utterly lost. Hearing Xie Ming Jin’s words, she instinctively nodded and entered the carriage. Turning, Xie Ming Jin faced the two drivers, sternly asking, "Gentlemen, whom did those horsemen serve?" The two drivers exchanged puzzled glances and then bitter smiles. The slightly older one responded, "They moved too fast for us to see clearly." A wave of fury surged in Xie Ming Jin's heart. Observing their previous demeanor, he suspected they were aware of who the group belonged to but were too afraid to divulge it. His expression darkened, though after a glance at the injured guards, who had barely managed to stand, he suppressed his anger. These were not ordinary drivers; coercion without sufficient strength would risk counteraction against their injured party. Xie Ming Jin forced a smile onto his face, but whether due to his injuries or foul mood, the smile appeared more wretched than a frown. "Gentlemen, please take us home." Seeing Xie Ming Jin cease probing about the horsemen, the drivers breathed sighs of relief. Transporting Xie Ming Jin and Yuan Li Xun was their duty, a task they readily agreed to. Their caution increased tenfold during the journey, beyond their usual diligence. ※※※※ The cavalry continued to gallop along the main road, only stopping at a massive estate after traversing half the city. The leader leapt down, visibly upset, seemingly seething over some matter. After he dismounted, the other horsemen followed, walking into the estate behind him. A few steps ahead, the pinnacle tenth-layer expert quickly closed in, saying, "Fourth Prince." The leader was none other than Bu Sheng Cong, the Fourth Prince of the Tu Fan Guo. That day, he had gone hunting outside the city with the Second Prince of the Kai Rong Guo but had ended in defeat, coming up short. Thus, upon entering the city, he rode furiously down the main road to vent his anger. Along the way, he collided with some Kai Rong Guo nobles who had the privilege of traveling on the central road, yet given his status, these incidents were trivial and did little to soothe his fury. Yet, upon hearing the voice of the guard captain, Bu Sheng Cong paused, asking, "Bu Rong, what is it?" Bu Rong hesitated for a moment but said, "Your Highness, those people we encountered earlier seemed to be of some significance." Bu Sheng Cong sneered, "I don't care about their significance. Can the laws of Kai Rong Guo dictate what I do?" Though dissatisfied, Bu Rong dared not voice his discontent. With Bu Sheng Cong’s status, especially beside Mu Jing Tian, even if he inadvertently collided with members of Kai Rong Guo’s royal family, as long as there weren’t irrevocable fatalities, the matter would be up for negotiation. At the very least, given the relation between Mu Jing Tian and Tu Fan Guo, it would at most result in minor compensations to settle the matter. However, the current situation was likely more complicated than that. Bu Rong sighed inwardly, knowing the Fourth Prince's rampant behavior could potentially invite unintended trouble for their nation. Despite the Prince's antics likely bringing more than minor inconveniences, but rather a monumental issue even Mu Jing Tian couldn't shoulder. Noticing Bu Rong's hesitance, Bu Sheng Cong impatiently demanded, "Whose carriage was it?" Helplessly, Bu Rong raised his head, lowering his voice slightly, "Your Highness, it belonged to the Kai Rong Guo Grandmaster's Hall." Bu Sheng Cong froze, his expression growing serious. Despite his audacity, he understood the significance of an innate strength master within a country and, more importantly, their immense personal martial prowess. If they sought secretly to assassinate, even Mu Jing Tian wouldn't assure safety. After all, his presence couldn't perpetually confine him beside Mu Jing Tian, right? Wouldn't that equate to house arrest? Considering this, he exhibited an unusual trace of aggravation on his face, saying, "Investigate whom these innate masters relate to." Lowering his head, Bu Rong softly complied. Behind them, the other attendants grasped the identity of those they encountered. Grateful they faced the family of an innate master rather than the master himself, they realized that otherwise, they'd be the ones lying on the ground instead. Soon thereafter, the person Bu Rong dispatched earlier successfully returned. Upon learning that the carriage had entered the embassy district designated for vassal states of Kai Rong Guo and not the Grandmaster Hall of Kai Rong Guo, Bu Sheng Cong felt half of his worries dissipate. As long as it wasn't associated with Kai Rong Guo's Grandmasters, it wouldn't receive full support from Kai Rong Guo. The Grandmasters from smaller nations could be dealt with given the right price, as not every innate expert would be willing to offend Mu Jing Tian and the nation of Tu Fan Guo over such a matter. ※※※※ Within the embassy district, He Yiming walked at a leisurely pace towards the residence of Master Shui Xuan Jin. In this district, the most respected individuals were undoubtedly the innate experts, who served as the nation's pillars and thus enjoyed the treatment they deserved. Master Shui's residence was not only large but also refined and elegant, somewhat similar to his home in Tian Luo Guo. This demonstrated Kai Rong Guo's extraordinary effort in gathering intelligence and catering to these foreign innate experts. This was a testament to the nation's formidable strength. In Tian Luo Guo, such meticulous hospitality was unimaginable. Furthermore, given Tian Luo Guo's prestige, attracting so many innate experts to the capital would be challenging, rendering any lavish estates they built pointless. Strolling through the estate casually, He Yiming felt no anxiety. He believed that if there had been an actual emergency, the ones coming for him would be Shui Xuan Jin's disciples, or even Shui Xuan Jin himself, not Xie Ming Jin. Before entering the courtyard, He Yiming sensed two powerful auras inside. These were the presences of two distinguished innate experts, who had established a certain connection with the world's energies. When such experts didn't conceal their auras, peers of equal standing could easily locate them and ascertain their numbers. Shortly after, He Yiming arrived at a pavilion. As he set foot on the stairs, Shui Xuan Jin's familiar voice called out, "Brother He, you returned swiftly." He Yiming chuckled, "Old Brother's summons; how could I delay?" Shui Xuan Jin laughed heartily, feeling a sense of satisfaction from He Yiming’s flattering yet respectful words. Having such a friend at life's twilight was indeed a great fortune. However, he also understood He Yiming's politeness stemmed from Shui Xuan Jin’s limited time. Conversely, Ting Shi Guang, sitting opposite, showed a hint of regret. He was the first innate expert to encounter He Yiming after He Yiming's ascension to the innate realm. Had he known He Yiming would accept Tian Luo Guo's invitation and serve as a national protector for a small country, he would have spared no effort to invite He Yiming to be the national protector for Huo Wu Guo. But it was too late now. Some opportunities, once missed, could never be reclaimed. "Brother He, please have a seat," Shui Xuan Jin said with a smile, already standing. Seeing Shui Xuan Jin not immediately conveying any bad news, He Yiming felt more assured. He took his seat beside the two innate experts, noticing the tea service on the table. He poured himself a cup, drank, and smacked his lips but failed to find much enjoyment in it. Watching his demeanor, Ting Shi Guang shook his head silently, sighing, "What a pity, what a pity." Shui Xuan Jin laughed heartily, "Each to their own path. Being content and genuine is true wisdom." He Yiming understood what Ting Shi Guang regretted and smiled, "Brother Ting, to me, famous teas are just more thirst-quenching water once brewed. Some may refine personal cultivation through tea, but that path isn’t for me." Ting Shi Guang paused in contemplation, then nodded, "Brother He is right. The Great Way has many paths, and everyone's suitable path differs." Shui Xuan Jin sighed deeply, "In this world, too many things can captivate us. Even with our longevity, we can't explore them all. Finding something to wholly devote oneself to is a blessing." Ting Shi Guang glanced at Shui Xuan Jin in surprise, sensing a profound change in his old friend. It was as if Shui Xuan Jin had achieved a transcendence beyond the mundane. Such psychological progress was a hundred times harder than increasing inner strength. He couldn't understand what led Shui Xuan Jin to such insight. "Brother Shui, your growth in cultivation surpasses leaps made in ten years," Ting Shi Guang earnestly said, "I can hardly imagine catching up with you." Shui Xuan Jin’s eyes grew peculiar as he smiled wryly, "Brother Ting, my breakthrough was merely a desperate coincidence—not something to envy." Ting Shi Guang was utterly confused, but the light in He Yiming's eyes dimmed slightly. The fact that Shui Xuan Jin didn’t have long left wasn't widely known. Without He Yiming’s unique intuition, even Su Jun couldn't discern Shui Xuan Jin’s predicament without a direct assessment. Thus, other innate experts were unaware that Shui Xuan Jin's change in mindset was due to his awareness of his nearing end, allowing him to perceive insights previously elusive. But this was just liberation of thought; progressing further given his age and power was impossible. He Yiming cleared his throat, shifting the somber topic, "Old Brother Shui, why did you call me back?" Shui Xuan Jin tossed a sealed letter to him, "This came from He Jia Zhuang, addressed to you for immediate reading." Nodding slightly, He Yiming saw the seal was untouched. He opened it and pulled out the letter. Reading it swiftly, a smile spread across his face. Curious, Shui Xuan Jin asked, "Brother He, is there any news?" He Yiming tucked the letter away, "Nothing too serious. An elder returned to our estate, asking me to be at ease." The letter simply informed that He Lai Bao, along with five disciples from the ninth internal layer of Hengshan, had returned to He Jia Zhuang. Among the five, two were descendants of Ling Yao Feng’s He Wu Jin, and three were direct disciples of Lu Zheng Yi. With He Lai Bao's return, He Jia Zhuang's peak martial force had skyrocketed within Taichong County. As long as no innate expert appeared, He Jia Zhuang would stand firm and unshakable. Reassuringly, his uncle was well within Hengshan. Given He Yiming's status, Hengshan's elders and grand elders regarded him more favorably. The spiritual herbs on Ling Yao Feng were fully accessible to him, with personal guidance in martial path training provided. With such exceptional external support, if He Quan Xin couldn’t advance to innate, it would be fate’s decision beyond human intervention. The three engaged in lively conversations, exchanging martial insights. Abruptly, distant commotion arose, heading straight towards He Yiming's residence. With a subtle twitch of his ears, He Yiming's expression drastically changed. Without saying a word, he stomped his feet, leaving swiftly...