Martial God Vol 2 ch21-30

Chapter 21.1 - Copying Recipes

12 Feb 2017

Although the area of He manor was not small, when He Yiming had entered the
Xu castle, he had realized that Xu castle was actually far bigger than He manor.

However, currently, as he steered the big horse he was riding under the lead of Xie
Mingjin, he truly understood how much land a clan that possessed a legacy of
millenniums could possess.

Of course, if one were to account the area of the fields in the Xu castle as well, its
area would exceed Xie mansion’s. However, as far as living area, rooms,
constructions, decorations, and other aspects were concerned, the three influential
families of Tai Cang county simply had no chance.

Xie Mingjin stopped his horse before a strictly guarded courtyard. Although he
was recognized as the clan’s big young master in the entire Xie mansion, the
guards here didn’t try to flatter him at all, and only after he took out the gold token
did they respectfully open the way.

Hereby, one could see a glimpse of how strict Xie family’s law enforcement was.

This courtyard had more than ten chambers. Every chamber had something written
on it. Xie Mingjin directly led He Yiming to the chamber that had ‘Gold Core’
written on it, pushed the door open, and entered.

From his movements, it seemed that the reason of his familiarity with this place
was due to Xie Grace bringing him here many times before.

Upon entering the chamber, He Yiming was quite astonished. In this chamber,
there were two bookcases, completely stacked with books. Some of the books
seemed old-fashioned, some seemed new, and some were even in the form of
ancient bamboo strips of legends. This kind of means of writing had died out
around eight hundred years ago. Perhaps only these clans that possessed
millenniums of legacy could possess such antiques.

As He Yiming swept his gaze through the bookcases, he suddenly felt bitter
inwardly. There were so many books merely pertaining to gold cores. How could
he read them all?

He’d raised his request in hopes to obtain some recipes of refining gold cores.
However, to find what he desired among so much material would be quite
troublesome.
As He Yiming was feeling quite troubled, Xie Mingjin scurried to the bookcases
and asked, “Brother He, do you wish to start from scratch or just refining gold
cores will do?”

He Yiming faintly started, then asked, “Is there some difference?”

“If you wish to learn from scratch, you will have to start by reading introductory
books. After reading about one-fifth of all the books here and further mastering the
subject via comprehensive study of some surrounding fields, you would have
basically finished the study.”

He Yiming shook his head without thinking. He didn’t have that much time.

“If you don’t want to learn in entirety, you can learn about a few varying types of
gold cores and their properties. As for the recipe, you can memorize it raw,” Xie
Mingjin’s face turned grave as he said, “You can see the recipe here at your will,
but can’t copy and take it outside.”

He Yiming nodded in understanding. Agreeing to let him see the recipe was
already a huge favour by them. If he were to ask a mile for an inch, he would only
incur the counterpart’s loathing.

However, he also understood why Xie Grace had been so generous. Relying only
on memorization, he would only be able to remember a few tens of recipes, which
would be merely like a droplet in the ocean. The latter was evidently clear on this
reasoning and had thus shown such generosity.

“Brother Xie, I will settle for the use and recipes of a few gold cores.”

“All right,” Xie Mingjin stood contemplating a few moments before the bookcases,
eventually picking out a few books, “These are the most important ones, take a
look.”

He Yiming accepted the books and gratefully nodded at the former. If not for Xie
Mingjin, he truly wouldn’t have known how to go about this ordeal.

Xie Mingjin suddenly moved closer to him and said in a low voice, “Brother He,
you take your time, I will bring some good stuff for you.”

He Yiming perfunctorily nodded, not knowing the ‘good stuff’ the former was
talking about.

Xie Mingjin left, and He Yiming opened the first book. From the beginning of the
first page, the book stated various uses of gold cores and theories pertaining to it.
Gold cores surprisingly had so many types. Each kind had its own use. Apart from
the gold cores that allowed cultivators to easily cross bottlenecks, there was
another type which cultivators yearned for in their dreams.

This kind of gold core was called a Vitality gold core. After consuming such a gold
core, one could increase one’s vitality. In clear terms, one would thus be able to
increase one’s Internal Energy. Although these kinds of gold cores, which could
boost cultivation speed, were not as expensive as the former kind, they were still
unattainable for ordinary cultivators.

However, due to the rarity of inner cores, the inner cores were always first refined
for the purpose of crossing bottlenecks, and Vitality gold cores were only refined
with the remnants of the above refining process. Despite all this, if Vitality gold
cores were to hit the market, they would be immediately sold out and were
considered as an absolutely priceless market commodity.

In addition to all this, the book had a few more applications of different types of
gold cores. However, these were quite random.

Some could help in stopping bleeding quicker, some could cure internal injuries,
and some could even defend against infections and poisoning. It was so random
and all over the place, it made He Yiming feel light-headed, almost causing him to
give up immediately.

After turning a few pages, He Yiming suddenly saw an explanation regarding the
effect of gold cores on breaking through bottlenecks.

After carefully reading it through, he was marveled inwardly.

This author had also compared the human body to a water reservoir. After reaching
a certain point in Houtian realm, the water in the reservoir would hit the limit, and
its amount could no longer be increased.

At this point, to increase one’s strength further, one must increase the capacity of
the reservoir. In other words, one would have to increase the level of the body’s
Internal Energy cultivation itself. Accomplishing this point was not as difficult as
ascending into the Xiantian realm, but was still not easy by any means.

It was at this point that Limit gold cores exhibited their effect.

Consuming a Limit gold core would not increase the body’s vitality, but Internal
Energy directly.

At this point, the body’s Internal Energy had already attained an extreme. As long
as it could increase by a bit, it would provide the best opportunity to break through.
Under these circumstances, a little bit of extra force could open the closed
meridians, thus enabling breakthrough.

However, if one failed to open the meridians, this bit of extra Internal Energy
would slowly lose its potency, ultimately dissipating from the body.

It was clearly illustrated that gold cores’ potency would closely follow the amount
of consumption and the user’s age.

The more gold cores consumed, the more probability of success. Similarly, lesser
the user’s age, the more abundant would be the user’s own vitality, and thus, the
more probability of success.

However, these weren’t the absolute facts. Whether one would eventually break
through or not would rely on one’s own will power and many other factors. These
were two different aspects and shouldn’t be confused together.

After going over these details, He Yiming felt genuine admiration. He didn’t know
who the author was, but could certainly tell that the latter must have been an
esteemed senior, worthy of admiration.

Suddenly, the gate opened. Xie Mingjin entered in poised steps and threw a
meaningful glance.

He Yiming skeptically turned around, puzzlement written all across his face.

Xie Mingjin closed the door, arrived before him, and took out a few objects from
his bosom. He Yiming’s eyes stretched wide open, speechlessly looking.

Xie Mingjin had actually brought back a brush and some papers.

He Yiming immediately understood what the former had referred to as ‘good

stuff.”

According to the rules, you could only look and not copy. Considering it into
account, he could only have noted down about twenty to thirty recipes at most.

However, with a pen and paper now, he wouldn’t go as far as to say that he could
note down all the recipes here, but at the very least, a hundred would not be a
problem.

He Yiming said in a low tone, “Brother Xie, you….”

Chapter 21.2
12 Feb 2017
Xie Mingjin waved his hand and said, “It’s fine. In any case, these recipes are
merely being wasted here.You can make copies and help promote them to new
glories.”

He Yiming blankly stared before saying, “How can they be wasted here?”

“Of course, they are being wasted. This time in the forest, you also saw how
ferocious spiritual beasts are. Would you imagine how many people are killing
spiritual beasts and obtaining inner cores like you?” Xie Mingjin sighed and said,
“Our Xie family toiled hard for thousands of years and collected so many books,
containing more than a hundred ways to refine the cores of spiritual beasts.
However, we may not be able to perform a single refining throughout several
decades. In your hands, these techniques would have much more chance to be
used.”

He Yiming thought for a few moments, eventually admitting that the former’s
words were quite reasonable.

However, copying the classified arts of the counterpart’s own family in front of
him…..He Yiming had encountered such an affair for the first time and felt quite
apologetic inwardly.

If Xie Mingjin had not been so benevolent and had made He Yiming note down the
recipes later, relying on his memory, He Yiming wouldn’t have felt any burden in
his mind at all. However, stealthily bringing pen and paper constituted a whole
different story.

Lightly sighing, He Yiming eventually made his decision. He profoundly glanced

at Xie Mingjin before extending his hand and saying, “All right, I will accept your
kindness.”

Xie Mingjin put the brush and papers on the table and left. Distantly, he saw Xie
Grace outside the courtyard. He nodded at his father with a faint smile. The latter
turned around and left.

Although Xie Mingjin’s guts were quite big, how could he have brought pen and
papers for He Yiming without the consent from clan elders?

Even though he’d spoken the truth and these recipes seemed to be quite precious,
under a severe lack of supplies of inner cores, they didn’t hold much practical
value. However, even if they were like chicken ribs, he couldn’t distribute them
out at his will.
However, since these were his father’s orders, he was happy to oblige. He
understood that this was his father enabling him to do a favour. That way, the
recipient of the return-favour would not be the clan, but he himself.

Despite his character not suited to become the clan leader, he was no fool. He
could clearly see through these matters.

After two days, He Yiming eventually left the ‘Gold Core’ chamber.

He carefully examined the books Xie Mingjin had selected and copied down more
than a hundred gold core refining techniques. He discovered that all these
techniques required inner cores of spiritual beasts, some of which had extremely
harsh requirements of spiritual beasts’ age and species.

However, the uses of these gold cores was beyond the reach of Houtian realm
cultivators. These gold cores could only be consumed by Xiantian realm
cultivators. If a Houtian realm cultivator were to consume them, what awaited him
wouldn’t be a boost in Internal Energy, but death due to body exploding.

He Yiming was quite confident in himself. Since he believed he would surely step
into Xiantian realm, he copied down these recipes as well.

Subsequently, he casually flipped through other books in the bookcases and

discovered that although their content differed somewhat, the majority of it was
covered by the few books Xie Mingjin had selected for him.

As far as gold core recipes were concerned, one could safely assume that these few
books were the most valuable books in the whole chamber.

At this point, his gratitude for Xie Mingjin further increased.

In these two days, nobody brought him food. This was because everybody knew
that he was a tenth layer expert. Not to mention two days, even if he were to not
eat and drink for several days, he wouldn’t have any trouble.

When he left the chamber, a servant immediately notified Xie Mingjin.

“Brother He, you have finished?” Xie Mingjin deliberately asked in an emphasized
tone.

“Yes,” He Yiming faintly nodded, showing an understanding smile.

The two walked out of the courtyard alongside each other when Xie Mingjin
lightly sighed and said, “Brother He, I didn’t expect you would be this quick. If I
had known earlier, I would have selected a few more books for you.”
He Yiming waved his hand and grimly said, “Brother Xie, I appreciate your
kindness but I’m actually very satisfied with my gains.”

“That’s fine too.” Xie Mingjin brought him to his own courtyard and asked
servants to bring some food and drinks, “Rest today. Tomorrow, I will take you to
the Clothing Hall, then we will go to the Alchemic Chamber. All the ingredients
have been prepared, and seventh uncle has opened the furnace. Three days later is
the auspicious day, we will be able to go and watch the refining process.”

He Yiming’s was quite moved. He already had the recipes in his hands. If he could
examine the process as well, he would be able to make the attempt himself. Of
course, he understood that alchemy was an art- one that was extremely hard to
learn by imitating at that. However, observing with his own eyes was, after all,
different than indulging in baseless imaginations.

His thoughts turned in another direction before he asked, “What is the Clothing
Hall?”

“The region where our clan’s special tanning leather clothes are produced. You
shouldn’t look down on it. Every cloth that comes out of our Clothing Hall is a
priceless treasure that couldn’t be bought with just gold,” Xie Mingjin
complacently said.

He Yiming astoundedly asked, “Could your manufactured clothes serve some

special purpose?”

“Correct, not only our leather clothes are made through tanning, they also contain
many medicinal textures. If wore frequently, they offer enormous benefits to the
body. However, I am taking you there due to that long-armed raccoon. That guy’s
skin is extremely tough. It’s impenetrable and also possesses strong contraction
property. I have already asked for an underfitting leather armor in your place. Not
only would it serve well in defensive purposes, it would also allow you to keep
warm in the cold.”

He Yiming was slightly moved, “Such a wonderful application, can’t you make a
few more of these?”

Xie Mingjin helplessly said, “Brother He, how big is a long-armed racoon? Peeling
of the entire skin of one long-armed raccoon is barely enough to make one set. If
you manage to hunt a few more of these guys, I can make you a few more.”

He Yiming blankly stared, then let out a laugh. Merely for two long-armed
raccoons, he spent several months in the forest. Where would he find a few more?
The former was just messing around with him.
The next day, they went to the Clothing Hall. He Yiming saw the already stripped
off inner-wear, stretched perfectly straight and immersed in an unknown liquid.

According to Xie Mingjin, its complete manufacturing would require a month’s

time. This was also the reason Xie Grace had asked for one month before.

After the third day, holding the golden token, they entered the most heavily
guarded location in the Xie Mansion, situated in the center.

Xie family’s Alchemic Chamber was a courtyard established in a gigantic area of

two thousand square meters. Inside, there were several tens of chambers. However,
the one that seemed the most important was the chamber at the very front.

As they entered this chamber, there were already two youngsters about the same
age as them in taoists robes, sorting out the chamber.

Seeing them enter, these two remained indifferent, not trying to fawn over them
due to Xie Mingjin’s identity at all.

Xie Mingjin led He Yiming in and pulled out two chairs, arranging them before a
giant furnace. The furnace’s body seemed quite dull. There were no engravings nor
any decorations. However, this dull and mediocre furnace exuded a feeling of
having gone through many tests and trials, allowing He Yiming to feel that it must
have had quite a history.

Long after, an old man with white hair and a white beard entered the chamber. The
two attendants immediately welcomed him while paying their respects.

Xie Mingjin also jumped up as if his buttocks had caught fire and said,
“Grandfather, you have finally come.”

The old man faintly nodded. Shifting his vision over to He Yiming, he said, “This
ought to be Mr. He- a fine young lad, as expected. Pardon this old man Xie Zhien,
for having you wait.”

He Yiming immediately stood up, bowed, and said a few courteous lines in return.

Xie Zhien chuckled and said, “A youngster showing interest in alchemy is good.
However, for us cultivators, there is a prerequisite to obtain some accomplishments
in alchemy.”

He Yiming’s brows slightly raised as he said, “Please advise.”

“Refining an ordinary golden core could be accomplished by anybody. The more

precious and rare a core is, the requirements to refine it is equally higher. For
instance, if your gold core refining process were to be given to an ordinary man,
the success rate wouldn’t be above fifty percent. However, at this old man’s hands,
it will be eighty percent.”

He Yiming’s eyes slightly brightened as he respectfully asked, “May I ask the

reason?”

“Very simple, because this old man is a fire and wood, dual attributed cultivator.”

Chapter 22.1 Engendering Techniques

15 Feb 2017

“Ha…..”

The furnace blazed, increasing the temperature of the room. However, Xie Zhien
and the two attendants evidently seemed accustomed to it, not feeling troubled at
all.

Xie Mingjin’s body was dripping with sweat. He’d already drunk two big jars of
water but to no avail.

He Yiming, on the other hand, was attentively watching their every movement, as
if committing all of their actions into his memory.

Actually, He Yiming’s emotions were quite aroused at the moment. Before

opening the furnace, Xie Zhien had told him that to become a distinguished
alchemist, one needed to possess exceedingly high innate talent. This talent, in
addition to possessing a high comprehensibility about medicines, also referred to
an imperative possession of fire and wood- these two types of Internal Energy
attributes.

Of course, if you possessed three kinds, even among the alchemists, you would be
seen as an extremely rare kind of alchemist and would be deemed as a pioneer of
alchemy.

Be it Grand Extension country or various countries of northwest, all of the reputed

Xiantian alchemists were at least fire and wood dual-attributed, powerful
characters. As for the three attributed alchemists, their success rate in refining was
beyond comparison.

This introduction naturally moved He Yiming.

Suddenly, Xie Mingjin, who stood beside him, spoke in a low voice, “Brother He,
are you getting it?”

He Yiming blankly turned his head and honestly said, “No.”

Xie Mingjin was quite surprised as he asked, “Were the books I left for you not
detailed enough, or you actually didn’t read them at all?”

He Yiming whispered, “I have read them, but couldn’t quite understand.”

Indeed. The dao of alchemy was a unique subject. He Yiming could understand the
written characters independently, but the words, phrases, and sentences they
constituted had simply gone above his head.

After copying, He Yiming flipped through the pages again and again but still
couldn’t get the gist of it and had no choice but to leave it alone.

Xie Mingjin blankly stared, then smilingly said, “I understand. Take out your stuff,
I will teach you.”

He Yiming was thrilled and immediately took out the copies. While he was
copying, he’d specifically separated the parts pertaining to the refining process
with that of recipes. Thus, at this moment, his hand only held a tiny amount of
pages.

Xie Mingjin had the fortune of being born into the Xie family. He’d been in
contact with these things since childhood. Although his alchemy lacked far behind
his seventh grandfather’s, his basics were quite strong.

After being explained to by Xie Mingjin, He Yiming felt enlightened.

The old man and the two attendants turned a blind eye on their whisperings and
treated them like air.

After seven full days, a rich aroma pervaded the chamber. However, currently,
alchemy was no longer greek to He Yiming. He immediately understood that the
gold core was about to be taken out of the furnace.

Xie Zhien’s movements were as quick as lightning, enough to make anyone

wonder how many times had he done this throughout his life. Barely relying on his
perception, he could tell the condition of the core in the furnace.

As he eventually opened the furnace, his expression turned exceedingly grave, as if

he wasn’t lifting the cover of the furnace, but the entire heavens and earth, causing
He Yiming to feel admiration from the bottom of his heart. This was an expression
which could only appear on the face of a person who had completely immersed his
entire being into a certain occupation.

With a roar, the old man eventually removed the cover.

He Yiming was still sitting wordlessly, but Xie Mingjin involuntarily tensed up.
He poked his head out and looked around a few times before his face turned
delighted.

Xie Zhien heartily laughed and said, “Youngster, this old man has fortunately not
disgraced himself and has succeeded in refining five gold cores.”

He Yiming deeply bowed at him and said, “Elder, may I ask how many times have
you performed the refining process of gold cores”

Xie Zhien pondered for a bit, then sighed, “In my entire life, throughout my
hundred years, I’ve refined gold cores three times.”

“If you’ve only refined three times, then how can you obtain eighty percent success
rate?”

Xie Zhien faintly smiled and said, “Youngster, the dao of alchemy equals to the
dao of accumulating experience. If you have performed ten thousand refinings of
ordinary pills, you will naturally have eighty percent success rate while refining
low level gold cores.”

He Yiming felt aghast, ten thousand times….

He deeply bowed before the old daoist. Although he didn’t say a word, his actions
clearly illustrated his heartfelt respect for the latter.

Refining of ordinary pills wouldn’t require seven days, but even if one refining
process required one day, it would require about thirty years to complete ten
thousand refinings.

He Yiming had nothing but admiration for such determination, such perseverance,
and such will power.

Xie Zhien’s was quite satisfied with He Yiming’s behaviour. His vision shifted
when he suddenly saw the papers in Xie Mingjin’s hands.

An embarrassed expression suddenly covered the latter’s face before he quickly

hid his hands behind his back and revealed an idiotic smile which only made the
situation worse.

He Yiming’s face also turned slightly red. This kind of feeling of being caught
wasn’t too good.

Xie Zhien bitterly smiled while shaking his head and said as if speaking to himself,
“Those recipes in the Gold Core chamber should have been made public a lot
earlier.”
He Yiming and Xie Mingjin relaxed, knowing that this old man was intending to
turn a blind eye on this matter.

Sure enough, Xie Zhien shifted his vision onto He Yiming and unhurriedly spoke,
“I heard from Grace that you wish to hunt a spiritual beast above five hundred
years?”

He Yiming grimly said, “Yes.”

“Your age is quite modest and yet you have managed to attain the absolute peak of
Houtian realm. Your desire to breakthrough is only natural. However, relying on
your strength alone, you might not win against a five hundred year spiritual beast,”
The old daoist lightly sighed and said, “For spiritual beasts, five hundred years is a
threshold as well. If they managed to pass it, their inner core gains a miraculous
effect of transforming Worldly Qi. Refining the inner core and using it to absorb
Worldly Qi is the most simple method to enter the Xiantian realm. However, after
five hundred years, spiritual beasts can also arouse Worldly Qi, gaining
tremendous might. This is undoubtedly shedding their mortal body. If not for a
Xiantian realm expert, they are extremely hard to kill.”

He Yiming’s complexion slightly changed. He naturally understood that this old

man wouldn’t cheat him. So it turns out that five hundred year spiritual beasts were
as strong as Xiantian cultivators. He seemed to have been thinking of these beasts
too simply.

The old daoist hesitated for a bit before sighing, “Unfortunately, you are not a dual
attributed cultivator. Otherwise, you could have directly entered the Xiantian realm
without requiring to use a gold core at all.”

He Yiming’s eyes momentarily brightened before he respectfully asked, “Senior,

please advise.”

The old man stroked his long beard and said, “According to the historical texts, the
ancient human cultivators didn’t rely on gold cores to breakthrough at all. For
most, the tenth layer’s peak was the absolute achievement. However, some
Houtian cultivators who mastered two different attributes techniques, which further
mutually engender each other, managed to breakthrough the boundaries of Houtian
realm and enter the Xiantian realm.

“Houtian techniques that engender each other?” Suddenly, an idea flashed in He

Yiming’s mind.

“Correct. Like this old man’s fire and wood techniques, or metal and water…and
so on, mutually engendering techniques,” The old daoist solemnly said, “If some
genius, talented in two engendering attributes, could also cultivate two peak level
Houtian techniques, in that case, at the time when both of these two techniques
would reach the tenth layer, he could force one of these techniques to transform
such that it could engender the other. If the transformation succeeds, he could
automatically absorb the Worldly Qi and make the breakthrough.”

Chapter 22.2
17 Feb 2017

He Yiming palpitated. If not for the presence of other people, he would have
already screamed.

However, his thoughts immediately shifted as he suspiciously said, “Many thanks

for your guidance. However, since this is the case, have you not tried this
method?”

Xie Zhien face immediately revealed a regretful expression as he said, “In my

youth, I wholeheartedly indulged myself in alchemy. Although I made some
accomplishments in alchemy, my Internal Energy cultivation was delayed as a
result. My fire and wood type cultivation only reached the tenth layer at the age of
eighty. By that time, my meridians had already solidified and vitality was
dissipating. If I had still tried to breakthrough relying on this method, I’m afraid as
soon as I’d absorbed the Worldly Qi in my body, it would have instantly exploded,
and I would have died.”

He Yiming’s complexion slightly changed before he asked,”Could it be…..there is

no method to resolve this?” He Yiming inwardly nodded. Although one had to
admit that this old man’s alchemy had already reached the perfection, the price
he’d paid was in form of giving up his chance to breakthrough into the Xiantian
realm. In other words, it was basically neglecting the core and picking the tip.

He Yiming would certainly remember this lesson paid in blood by the old daoist
and wouldn’t be distracted before entering the Xiantian realm.

The old man faintly shook his head before taking out the five gold cores from the
furnace. He then put them into a jade bottle and handed it over to He Yiming. He
seemed to have remembered his youth- he flicked his sleeve and immediately left
in graceful steps, as if floating.

He Yiming carefully collected the bottle, but his thoughts still lingered on the
recent conversation with the old daoist.

Xie Mingjin waved his hand before He Yiming’s eyes and asked, “Brother He, are
you fine?”
He Yiming, as if awaking from a dream, smiled and said, “I wish to borrow a
solitary room in your mansion. Is it possible?”

“Of course,” Xie Mingjin unhesitatingly said, “What do you want to do?”

“I wish to go in seclusion for while, to properly consider some matters.” He

Yiming seriously said.

For this request, Xie Mingjin himself was enough to make the arrangements.
Under his arrangements, He Yiming arrived in a secluded courtyard. This
courtyard used to be Xie Mingjin’s residence. Currently, all the servants had left,
leaving behind He Yiming alone.

Closing the door, He Yiming arrived in a quiet room and sat down. The old
daoist’s words had enlightened him, revealing a path through the heavens that will
lead to the Xiantian realm.

If the old daoist had known that his words could cause such a result, one could
only wonder whether he would have still explained these matters to He Yiming.

In the forest, He Yiming had only revealed metal type techniques.

Regardless of how strong one’s single attribute could become, it wouldn’t lead to
breakthrough into Xiantian realm without help of gold cores.

However, this was not the case with He Yiming. He was not a single-attributed
cultivator, but an exceedingly powerful cultivator of the entire five phases. His
only weak point was that he only had two peak level primary techniques. These
two techniques didn’t engender each other, which others might rejoice about.

Blaze technique and Withered Tree technique, from the Xu castle.

At this moment, he felt extremely glad that his trip to Xu family, an act he’d
committed on impulse, turned out to be one that seemed so foresightful now.

If he didn’t have Withered Tree technique, regardless of how many more

techniques of five phases he cultivated, he wouldn’t have been able to
breakthrough into Xiantian relying on this method.

The Internal Energy in his body began to surge. Backed by this powerful Internal
Energy, his ears, eyes, and nose immediately sharpened. The next moment, he
immediately ascertained that not only this courtyard didn’t have a single person
except him, the area in a circle of fifty meters around it had further been turned
into a restricted zone.
Although Xie manson was quite big, they wouldn’t easily execute such an action.
Hereby, it could be seen that Xie Mingjin was a conscientious person. They had
only met each other recently, and He Yiming also knew that their relationship
contained a hint of mutual benefit.

However, he couldn’t deny that the two had also formed a favourable impression
of each other. If he were to succeed in ascending the Xiantian realm as well, it
would be due to the old daoist’s words. This would be an act of extreme kindness
to him, and it would have to be repaid to Xie Mingjin in future.

He Yiming faintly shook his head and moderated his stimulated emotions.

First, he took out all the objects on his body and placed them into an unremarkable
corner, including even the copies of pill recipes and the jade bottle containing gold
cores.

Subsequently, his mind immersed into circulating the Internal Energy inside his
body.

Withered Tree technique- this strong peak level wood type technique began to
slowly operate inside his body.

He didn’t raise the technique to the tenth layer directly and instead increased it step
by step from the beginning of the first layer. However, as the powerful Internal
Energy gradually circulated in his meridians, his body’s appearance started to
change correspondingly.

The flesh on his body started to wither in a strange manner, as if the moisture on
his body was being sucked out by some force. As the Internal Energy continuously
strengthened, this appearance also started to deepen, beginning to affect even his
face.

If He Yiming were to stand beside Xu Yinjie, the Lord Master of Xu family, with
their dead tree kind of appearance, one could easily treat them as brothers who
were on the verge of entering their graves.

As the Withered Tree technique circulated, He Yiming’s vitality seemed to be

vanishing. His body seemed to be fostering a different kind of power, and this
vanishing vitality seemed to be acting as a rich nutrient for this power.

When the Withered Tree technique attained the tenth layer, He Yiming didn’t stop
and instead began to slowly operate the Blaze technique.
This was not the first time he’d operated the five phases techniques in alternation.
However, previously, he never tried to circulate another technique after pushing
one technique to its peak.

This was a problem of control. After pushing one technique to its peak, the
difficulty of instantly switching to another technique was frightening beyond
measure. If it was accomplished through force, the meridians would instantly
suffer backlash, and in case of serious consequences, one could even die.

However, currently, He Yiming was welcoming the challenge. He’d no intention

of stopping the Withered Tree technique as he slowly operated the Blaze
technique.

Dividing his Internal Energy into two different sections of powers inside his body
had been the objective he’d always sought after.

However, this time, his objective was different. He was not trying to divide his
Internal Energy into two parts evenly, but to preserve the tenth layer of the
Withered Tree technique. As for the Blaze technique, although he was barely
managing to operate it, it was like a dim flame that could blow out at any time.

It was still circulating in his body at an extremely slow speed, continuously

pushing forward.

Once again, a mystical transformation occurred on He Yiming’s body. His

seemingly withered body slowly reddened at various spots.

This transformation was quite evident; his skin turning scarlet like blood.

In the beginning, it was only a small patch of bright red colored skin. Gradually, it
began to spread all around his body.

The rate of spreading of the red color was also quite slow in the beginning,
seeming as if it could never cover the whole body.

However, when its scope expanded and it covered ten percent of the entire body, it
burst forth like an ignited flame, spreading around at a lightning fast speed.

In a few breaths, He Yiming’s entire body seemed to have become a red, hot
furnace, exuding frightening heat waves.

The clothes on his body withered and curled as his body temperature stepped
beyond the limits of heat that a human body could endure, seeming as if his entire
being was burning.
However, He Yiming seemed as if he’d not felt any of it. The blaze technique
operating inside his body had already attained the tenth layer and was continuously
swallowing the vitality dissipated due to the Withered Tree technique. As it
seemed that his entire body had been set ablaze, a mystical transformation
occurred.

Like a phoenix of the legends, a powerful life force re-emerged from within the
raging flames.

It was nothing but Phoenix’s Nirvana…..

Chapter 23.1
18 Feb 2017

Sun shined brightly, the trees stood calm and stationary, and the beautiful lands lay
serenely.

However, this secluded courtyard was pervaded by an aura which almost seemed
substantive. Fortunately, all the servants and workers in the vicinity of this
courtyard had already been moved to somewhere else. Otherwise, the
transformation occurring at this moment would have brought a disastrous impact
on them.

In the secluded room, He Yiming’s body had turned into a furnace. The fire type
Internal Energy was being exhibited to the extreme, seeming as if He Yiming’s
body itself was burning as fuel.

The clothes on his body had turned into ashes, even the mat under his buttocks had
suffered a fatal disaster.

Fortunately, the four walls of this room were made of stone and bricks. If they had
been made of wood, they probably wouldn’t have survived.

He Yiming, however, inwardly brimmed with hope and expectations at this

moment. He could feel that Blaze technique’s power had already reached the limit
but under the catalyzation and addition of Withered Tree technique’s power, Blaze
technique’s power was still climbing up.

Eventually, all the energy accumulated by the tenth layer Withered Tree technique
completely transformed into a nutrient and was absorbed by the Blaze technique.

An inconceivably large power suddenly erupted.

This was a variation- a variation in the quality of the energy. The blaze technique
was no longer a Houtian realm’s technique. After absorbing the essence of
Withered Tree technique, it had transformed into a technique that had completely
different characteristics than the original.

Suddenly, He Yiming’s body severely trembled a few times from outside, as if

countless pointed needles had been thrusted into his body.

After cultivating Withered Tree technique, his body was already quite resistant to
pain. Not to mention needles, he wouldn’t have much trouble even if he were to
catch a knife stab.

However, his current feeling of being pricked by needles had completely exceeded
his imagination, as if there were countless hole-punchers, punching holes in his
body both from inside-out, and outside-in.

Enduring this pain already seemed beyond the capabilities of a human body,
enough to make one feel that death would be a better choice.

However, this feeling only emerged momentarily.

Immediately disappearing after.

After the pain subsided, He Yiming’s spirit suddenly shook. He felt a bizarre
energy flooding into his body from outside.

This was not Internal Energy transformed by his body but an energy of the external
world.

This energy had been aroused by the transformation in the Blaze technique and
was continuously entering his body as a result. His body was like a vessel that had
been elongated ten times, and the continuously entering energy was quickly filling
it.

His skin, flesh, muscles, bones, internal organs, and all the cells were undergoing a
subtle transformation due to this energy.

As if soaking in a hot spring, an extremely comfortable feeling overtook his body.

This was a cleansing that was transforming his entire body upside down. Not only
his strength had been increased by an inconceivable degree, even his life
expectancy, under the effect of this mystical transformation, had been increased
through unknown and mysterious means.

The energy his body was absorbing from the external world seemed to be carrying
an exceedingly indistinct burning feeling, which allowed him to know that this
energy being absorbed by him was, in fact, that of fire type- an energy that would
be classified as fire attributed in the natural world.

This was because he’d used a fire type technique to breakthrough. If he’d used a
differently attributed technique, the transformation that would have occurred
probably would have differed correspondingly.

He took in a deep breath, feeling this mystical transformation.

Eventually, the pouring of the energy from the external world slowed down. The
holes that had appeared inside his body were also been filled by the cleansing of
this energy. However, they were not completely closed off and instead formed a
subtle resonance with He Yiming’s spirit.

Soon after, He Yiming quickly discovered that these so called holes were actually
the acupuncture points on the body and were also the positions through which
meridians must pass through.

However, the only thing that amazed him was that the total number of these holes
were far more than the acupoints he knew about. This made him understand that
the number of acupoints in human body were far more than one hundred and eight.

The energy, which was still continuously pouring inside his body, caused him to
have an urge to vent out.

Inexplainably, He Yiming knew that this was the berserk effect contained within
the fire type energy. Since it was entering in the body for the first time, it brought
an enormous burden to the body. If he couldn’t vent out quickly, it could cause an
enormous harm to his body.

His eyes suddenly opened. Lifting him palms up above, he swatted towards the
hollow above his head.

“Bang…”

The Internal Energy, or perhaps it should now be called True Qi energy, that had
been repressed inside the body suddenly found a huge outlet. It immediately
concentrated and madly rushed out.

A gigantic explosion rang out in the sky above the room. The roof, which was
made of tiles and bricks, blew off with an explosion without offering any
resistance at all. The entire roof exploded, its splinters flying off to huge distances.

Furthermore, small fragments of stones and dust didn’t dissipate right after.
Instead, it fluttered about the True Qi, flying in the air.
Suddenly, a gigantic, red-colored tornado appeared in the sky, emitting frightening
heat waves which could discourage anyone to approach it.

Such a huge commotion could easily wake people from their deep slumber in
night, let alone now when the sun was shining brightly.

Almost the instant explosion sounded, the three peak level, tenth layer experts in
the mansion simultaneously left their residences.

Xie Nuanhang, Xie Grace, and the only expert who had lived past a hundred years,
old daoist Xie Zhien, all tongue-tied looked at the bizarre tornado unleashed from a
certain building in the residence.

Although it was quite distant, the three people simultaneously felt an enormous
suppression which seemed as heavy as Mount Tai, and inviolable. This was an
ability which was beyond their comprehension or experience, in front of which, as
many Houtian cultivators there might be, they would have no chance of putting up
any resistance.

This moment, the disturbance created was no longer confined to the Xie
Residence.

In the Downwind city, the experts of the other three influential families as well as
the experts of the Fire Crow nation’s royal family witnessed with their own eyes
the fiery red tornado that had suddenly rose but had remained confined in a small
area.

In the imperial palace, there was a fifteen meter high tower.

Even the king of Fire Crow country didn’t dare be slightly presumptuous under this
tower. In this tower resided the number one senior of Fire Crow country.

He was the divine protector of the Fire Crow country’s royal family, also that of
Fire Crow country, and the sole Xiantian realm expert of the Fire Crow country.

This moment, after observing and hearing the strange tornado in the distant, he
eventually issued a command that completely turned the imperial palace upside
down.

After fifteen minutes, He Yiming finally felt his meridians had completely
recovered, having completely drained out that berserk feeling.

He lowered his hands, restraining the True Qi while the red-colored tornado in the
air disappeared without a trace.
Looking at the mess around him, he sighed unceasingly. If he’d known earlier that
ascending into the Xiantian realm would trigger such a reaction, he would have
long escaped somewhere outside. Why would he have taken shelter in the Xie
Residence?

All of his surrounding was covered with dust, but not a speck could be found on
his body.

Looking at his completely naked body, He Yiming faintly shook his head.
Suddenly, his heart trembled before he inwardly cursed, ‘Not good.’

His figure faintly flickered before he arrived in the room’s corner.

As he peeked at the papers and jade bottle, which hadn’t suffered any harm except
for a layer dust covering them, his anxious heart calmed down.

Those few recipes weren’t that important. With his strength, even if he were to
copy them openly, Xie family wouldn’t stop him. However, the jade bottle
contained five golden cores. If they were lost as a result of this ordeal, that would
be too unfortunate.

He Yiming had stepped into Xiantian realm inside the Xie family, after all. Not
only had they showed him hospitality, he’d also received guidance from Xie Zhien.
Even if his skin thickened several times, he wouldn’t try taking Xie family’s
golden cores.

Sorting out the room, patting himself a few times, he stepped out of the room.
Although the interior was completely wrecked by him, the outside had not suffered
too much damage.

His footsteps didn’t stop as he passed through the external hall and arrived in Xie
Mingjin’s bedroom.

Their age was similar and statures were also quite similar. He casually chose a pair
of clothes. Although they were somewhat oversized, in any case, it was much
better than being completely naked.

Xie Mingjin naturally didn’t have to worry about clothes ever, being born in a big,
aristocratic family. Not only there were several tens of pairs of clothes, even
completely new shoes and socks were also plentiful. He Yiming of course accepted
his kindness without a trace of hesitation.

As he’d finished dressing, he felt a big commotion outside. Some people were
cautiously and prudently advancing towards this courtyard.
Chapter 23.2
19 Feb 2017

In a circle of hundred meter with him acting as the center, it seemed like nothing
could escape his senses.

It was a mystical feeling. After absorbing the fire type energy from the heavens
and earth, he seemed to have formed an exceedingly subtle connection with these
energies. Through this fire energy, which was present throughout the heavens and
earth, and through his interaction with this energy by absorbing and exuding it, he
could miraculously make out an image of everything within a hundred meters
around him.

Of course, this image was extremely indistinct. Even in comparison to the image
He Yiming could form after concentrating his attention on his ears, it wasn’t any
better. However, in sensing the stationary objects and the atmosphere around his
body, it seemed much more precise than the former.

He could feel that people dressed in the attire of attendants were flocking within
his eighty meter range. These people seemed to be indistinctly standing by a line.
They were looking at each other with traces of alarm evident on their faces.
However, regardless of how much their numbers increased, they didn’t dare take a
step forward. Suddenly, one individual came running from afar. From this person’s
footsteps and breath, He Yiming could tell that this individual was none other than
Xie Mingjin.

He didn’t know where the latter had been until now, for him to come so late.
However, he was unlike the attendants. He directly entered while shouting,
“Brother He, are you here?”

He Yiming felt warm. If Xie Mingjin had shown the slightest hesitation in
entering, He Yiming would have definitely started to slowly alienate him. As for
the help Xie family had provided to him, he would have repaid it slowly in the
future. However, Xie Mingjin was the same as he’d been in the forest and hadn’t
shown the slightest hesitation in rushing in.

This kind of temperament wouldn’t be favoured in his clan, but it had managed to
let He Yiming feel his true friendship. Once this guy had decided that you are his
friend, he will absolutely not abandon you.

Stepping out, covering frightening distance in one sweep, He Yiming suddenly

appeared before him.
Although He Yiming had not cultivated any agility technique, his current strength
was so high that he could casually deal with several strong Houtian cultivators
even if they were to use special techniques.

Although the gap between Xiantian and Houtian was only a single layer, it was
impossible to be covered or even pulled closer.

“Brother Xie, I am here,” He Yiming chuckled and said, “Everything is fine except
for your destroyed cultivation room.”

Xie Mingjin glanced at He Yiming, then took a deep breath, “It’s good that you are
fine, just a training room that’s all….” He suddenly stopped before seriously
observing He Yiming. He could tell that this He Yiming was different than the one
a few hours ago. However, what actually was different, he had no idea.

After a while, his eyes shined as he said, “Brother He, the clothes on your body?”

He Yiming lightly coughed then chuckled, “I burned my clothes due to

carelessness. So, I borrowed a pair. Pardon me.”

Xie Mingjin waved his hand and asked, “What happened just now? How is there
such a big commotion? I just hope elder uncle hasn’t been disturbed.”

He Yiming faintly smiled. Although he hadn’t seen this acting family head of Xie
family, from Xie Mingjin’s appearance, he could tell that that he ought to be a
strict senior. However, even the seniors of Xiantian realm didn’t have any
qualifications to put on any air before him.

His expression suddenly flickered as he raised his head and looked outside. He
smiled and said, “Brother Xie, I’m afraid it’s too late.”

“Too late for what?” Xie Mingjin suspiciously asked.

“Your elder uncle is already here.”

Xie Mingjin’s complexion underwent a huge transformation. However, before he

could continue his chain of questions, he heard an exceedingly familiar voice, “Is
Mr. He here? This old man has come to pay his respect.”

Xie Mingjin’s eyes opened wide, looking at He Yiming as if he’d seen a ghost.

This was precisely the voice of his elder uncle- the voice of the acting leader of Xie
family. However, from this voice, even an idiot could make out a faintly prudent,
respectful, and appeasing intent.
Although he’d also seen the red-colored tornado in the air, seeing was one thing
while understanding the underlying meaning was another. His experience was,
after all, quite lacking compared to Xie Nuanhang and his other elders. He’d never
seen the capabilities of a Xiantian cultivator, and thus, obviously didn’t find
anything strange.

He Yiming smilingly nodded at Xie Mingjin, who was blankly staring him, and
said, “This surnamed He is here. Please enter Xie family head.”

Three people entered in succession. As soon as Xie Mingjin saw them, the shock
he was feeling further increased to the extreme.

The three individuals, which were the three big shots of the clan, were currently
gathered together at this place. At this moment, he finally understood somewhat.
He first looked at the roofless training room, then looked at He Yiming with an
incredulous expression.

The three individuals also hadn’t expected to find Xie Mingjin beside He Yiming.
Moreover, from the way two were standing side by side, the two seemed to be
quite good friends as well. However, after exchanging glances, they seemed as if
they hadn’t noticed it.

“Mr. He, Congratulations.” Xie Nuanhang stepped forward. Stopping not too far
away from He Yiming, he deeply bowed.

Xie Mingjin’s eyelids jumped before he immediately jumped aside. He didn’t dare
take family head’s bow.

He Yiming’s brows slightly creased. After hesitating a bit, he returned the courtesy
and said, “Xie family head is too polite. This surnamed He was lucky and only
succeeded because of the advice from Xie Mansion’s old lord, Xie Zhien.” After
saying these words, he performed a bow to the ground towards Xie Zhien. His
words were completely sincere. If not for the old man’s advice, He Yiming would
probably have entered the forest again to search for spiritual beasts above five
hundred years.

However, after entering the Xiantian realm, He Yiming knew that if the spiritual
beasts above five hundred years could also start absorbing True Qi like him, in that
case, if he encountered one, it would be him who would have to ultimately flee.

The difference between Houtian and Xiantian realms was too big. One could only
understand after personally experiencing it.
Xie Zhien repeatedly waved his hands. This old man, who had lived past hundred
years, deeply sighed and said, “So Mr. He is also a dual-attributed genius. This old
man ended up flaunting before a real expert, shaming himself.”

Inwardly, he felt strange. Since He Yiming could comprehend two peak level,
engendering primary cultivation techniques, he must be from some big sect or big
influential family.

However, after he cultivated to the tenth layer, why didn’t anyone explain this
method to him? If not for a few lines he’d accidently said, the latter would have
actually still be stuck. However, he only pondered this matter for a bit.

He Yiming shook his head and smiled before saying, “Senior Xie, your advice was
unimaginably beneficial for this young one. This young one could enter the
Xiantian realm so soon only due to some guidance you randomly offered,” He
paused for moment to think, then said, “Within three years, this young one will
certainly return senior’s favour.”

Xie Zhien’s eyes suddenly brightened as he said in a faintly trembling voice,

“He….Mr. He, what are you saying?”

He Yiming faintly nodded. His vision brimmed with sincerity as he said, “My
father always taught me- when you receive a drop of favor, you must return
torrents of spring.”

Xie Zhien’s lips trembled. Eventually, he stepped forward and performed a bow to
the ground and said, “Many thanks for Mr. He’s help.”

The two brothers immediately felt elated. They exchanged a glance, then prostrated
themselves as well. Xie Mingjin bitterly smiled and looked at He Yiming, finally
understanding what kind of monster his father had ended up bringing in the clan.

Chapter 24.1
19 Feb 2017

Looking at the Xie family members who were respectful and fawning over him, He
Yiming sighed inwardly.

Before he’d entered the Xiantian realm, although they were still polite to him, it
was nowhere near this exaggerated. After ascending to the Xiantian realm and
further promising to help the old daoist, Xie Zhien, they had become respectful to
the extreme.
Xie Zhien, this hundred year old man in particular- he even displayed courtesy that
somewhat resembled that of a disciple.

Suddenly, his heart faintly trembled before he asked, “Senior Xie, under the
protection of a Xiantian realm cultivator, can all the Houtian realm, tenth layer
cultivators breakthrough?”

Xie Zhien bitterly smiled and said, “Mr. He, this is simply impossible,” He faintly
shook his head and sighed, “A Xiantian ream cultivator could only helping in
increasing the endurance of meridians, making so that a cultivator wouldn’t go as
far as to die due to body exploding while making the breakthrough. To truly
breakthrough, one has to rely on his own efforts. Either cultivate two engendering,
top-level techniques, or get a gold core refined from the inner core of a five
hundred year or above spiritual beast. And even if these circumstances were to be
fulfilled, one only has a chance to breakthrough. As for whether if one really
makes the breakthrough…..”

Looking at the old man’s expression, which suggested that he wished to say
something but was hesitating, He Yiming immediately understood.

He inwardly sighed, knowing that although he’d made the breakthrough, but his
plan of helping the old man doing the same was completely fruitless.

“So it means, even if I help, elder wouldn’t necessarily advance?”

Xie Zhien’s complexion darkened before he said, “It’s precisely as such. However,
this will be the last opportunity this dying, old man would get. I would have to rely
on Mr. He to fulfil it.”

Afraid that He Yiming would take back his words, he immediately bowed to the
ground once again; his eyes’ sincerity enough to move anybody.

He Yiming immediately helped him up and said, “Senor, please be at ease. Since
I’ve already agreed, I’ll not back out.” His voice calm, carrying a force to convince
anyone involuntarily.

The big rocks on the hearts’ of Xie Zhien and the rest were immediately lifted.
Although obtaining help from He Yiming didn’t ensure success, a hope was much
better than having no chance.

For this hope, Xie family would be willing to pay any cost.

An old servant hurriedly rushed in, holding a gold-stamped card in his hand. His
face looked excited as he shouted from the entrance before even approaching,
“Lord, his majesty, Prince Ting Brightriver, is visiting.”
Xie Nuanhang and the rest’s expression slightly changed. They exchanged glances
before Xie Grace respectfully said, “Mr. He, Prince Ting Brightriver must have
come because of you. Would you like to meet him?”

He Yiming astoundedly asked, “Who is Ting Brightriver?”

Xie Grace thought for a bit before saying, “In Fire Crow country, there are four big
influential families thriving. Among these, the Ting family is the royal family and
also the only family to have a Xiantian realm cultivator. Ting Brightriver is one of
the Ting family’s three great experts. Although in your eyes, he might not seem
like anything, but in Fire Crow country, he is quite an illustrious expert.”

He Yiming faintly nodded, then thought for a bit and said, “This surnamed He has
just entered the Xiantian realm and wishes to go in seclusion for a few days. I will
not receive any outside guest, pardon me Mr. Xie.”

Xie Grace deeply bowed; a delighted glint flickering in his eyes. Subsequently, he
said, “Since this is Mr. He’s wish, this surnamed Xie will certainly pass it on as it
is.”

Xie Nuanhang and the rest also inwardly let out a sigh of relief. From their
standpoint, they naturally didn’t want to see He Yiming becoming intertwined with
any other influential family of Fire Crow country except for Xie family.

Looking at the color of the sky, He Yiming faintly cupped his hands and said,
“This surnamed He wishes to make a trip outside. Within three days at most, one
day at minimum, I will certainly be back.”

After speaking these words, he faintly nodded at Xie Mingjin. His figure flickered,
turning into faint mist, having already disappeared.

The Xie family members exchanged a glance. After a few moments, Xie Nuanhang
stepped forward and softly said, “Mingjin, I can see that Mr. He sees you in a very
favourable light. You should know what you have to do, right?”

Although He Yiming had not spoken a word to Xie Mingjin in their presence, these
old foxes had attained an extremely high level in measuring someone from their
actions and expressions. While leaving, He Yiming’s action of specifically
nodding at Xie Mingjin had not gone unchecked past them.

Xie Mingjin faintly started, then silently nodded and said, “Yes, elder uncle.”

His eyes brimmed with emotions. Although he was certain that He Yiming would
have sooner or later advanced to the Xiantian realm, he never expected it would be
so soon.
As he thought about their ages being similar but their strengths being so far apart,
even though his temperament was straightforward, he couldn’t help but feel a loss
inside him.

He Yiming’s figure moved towards the Xie Mansion’s main entrance like
lightning. His speed was simply beyond an ordinary person.

Entering the Xiantian realm not only meant a qualitative improvement in his
Internal Energy, turning it into Xiantian True Qi, which could communicate with
the energies in the external world, even his physical body had also gained an
unimaginable improvement in every aspect, at its essence.

Although he seemed to be leisurely walking in a garden, his speed was as such that
even if people saw him, they only felt their eyes blurring.

In a few moments, he’d already arrived at the Xie family’s main entrance.
Currently, the main entrance was already opened, and about two hundred armored
men were standing outside. Their figures stood as straight as a mountain; their
whole body exuding a grave, dangerous aura.

He Yiming could tell at a glance that they were all cultivators of sixth layer or
above.

He didn’t need to ask anyone to ascertain that these men were protectors of that
prince, Ting Brightriver.

His heart slightly trembled. In speaking, fifth layer and sixth layer only had a
difference of one layer. However, the absolute majority of cultivators remained
stuck on this junction for their entire lives.

Although with the prince’s strength, he wouldn’t be lacking in attendants and

spongers of seventh layer or eighth layer, but even his guards were all sixth layer
cultivators. This was simply too much of an exaggeration.

He pondered for a bit before slowing down, stopping beside the troops.

The two guards before him were standing perfectly straight. A person suddenly
appeared before them out of nowhere. Even with their ability, they had not been
able to discover a clue about this person’s appearance.

Under the many years of arduous training, they involuntarily reacted by taking out
their swords while shouting, “Who?”

Their reaction immediately startled the entire troops, immediately attracting several
tens of sharp, ferocious gazes.
He Yiming proudly laughed. Without paying any attention, he made a big motion
of flicking his sleeves and left. However, this time, he didn’t leave quickly.
Instead, he left at a pace of an ordinary person, under the vision of the troops.

The complexions of those guards transformed. Although they didn’t run amok in
Downwind city, they had never been ignored so thoroughly by anybody.

However, for better or worse, they remembered that they were in front of the
entrance of Xie Mansion. Although they felt quite furious inwardly, they didn’t
dare create a scene.

In the middle was a palanquin sustained by sixteen big men. Every one of these
men were tall and sturdy, seeming like iron towers. Even under the current
situation, they didn’t even budge and stood upright before the palanquin.

Suddenly, the door of the palanquin opened, and a man wearing a fancy gown
walked out.

As soon as this man walked out, all the surrounding people showed exceedingly
respectful expressions.

He asked in a relaxed voice, “What’s the fuss about?”

Chapter 24.2
23 Feb 2017

Those two guards immediately knelt and said, “To prince, just now a man suddenly
appeared. We failed to notice him. Please allow us to atone for our crime.”

That man raised his head and glanced in the direction He Yiming had left.
Actually, although he’d been in the palanquin, he was fully aware of everything
that was happening outside. However, to his horror, even he’d no clue when He
Yiming appeared before his troops.

If not for such a situation, this small matter wasn’t enough to make him make an
appearance.

Although He Yiming was not using any technique, the length of his footsteps far
exceeded that of an ordinary person. This moment he’d already arrived at the
street’s corner. His figure flickered, suddenly disappearing from the vision of that
man.

He hesitated a bit, turning his head and looking at the entrance of Xie Residence,
and eventually forced himself to not deal with that person. For some reason, when
he thought about dealing with that person, he felt a slight chill in his spine. Faintly
shaking his head, as he was laughing at himself, a candid hearty laugh sounded.

“Xie Nuanhang welcomes your highness.”

The source of the voice seemed to be increasingly approaching before the current
family head of Xie family appeared outside the entrance.

Ting Brightriver shook his head and couldn’t help but laugh, “Brother Xie, don’t
joke with me. When have I ever put on any airs of a prince when I come to your
place?”

Xie Nuanhang wholeheartedly smiled and said, “Fine, since you say so, brother
Ting. Please come inside, let’s have a chat.”

The two individuals entered side by side and entered the main hall of the Xie
Mansion. As for the serving guards, some people automatically came to receive
them. They didn’t have to go through any trouble at all.

After they arrived in the main hall and took their seats, the tea was served and Ting
Brightriver said, talking straight to the point, “Brother Xie, you should have
guessed the reason for my visit, right?”

Xie Nuanhang faintly nodded and said, “I’ve guessed somewhat, but I will still ask
brother Ting to clarify.”

“Fine. My ancestor, Master Liferay has invited Master Xie Zhien for a visit in the
Fire Crow tower.” Ting Brightriver stood up and said while faintly bowing in the
direction of the Royal Palace.

Xie Nuanhang didn’t dare to be neglectful in the slightest and stood up as well.
However, his expression seemed somewhat blanked as he said, “Seems like brother
Ting has misunderstood. My ancestor has not ascended to the Xiantian realm yet.
How can he be fit to be addressed as Master?”

Ting Brightriver blankly started. An astounded expression covered his face. He

only managed to speak after a few moments, “Brother Xie, just now, the person
who just advanced, clearly advanced through a fire type technique. Don’t tell me it
really wasn’t Mr. Zhien?”

Xie Nuanhang bitterly smiled and shook his head, “Of course, it wasn’t.”

Ting Brightriver hesitated for bit before saying, “Since it’s not Mr. Zhien, then
which expert of your noble residence is it?”
Xie Nuanhang lightly sighed and said, “That master is a friend my second brother
met outside by chance and invited to our home. However, we didn’t expect that he
would actually enter the Xiantian realm in our lowly mansion.”

Ting Brightiver’s face turned completely lifeless. If not for hearing from the mouth
of Xie family leader himself, he absolutely wouldn’t have dared to believe these
words.

A friend made outside by chance, after being invited to the family, actually broke
through into Xiantian realm….. What the hell! What kind of luck is this?

His face twitched a few times, ‘Why doesn’t such a good thing happen to me?’

Suddenly feeling two intense gazes closely observing his face, Ting Brightriver
suddenly jolted awake and awkwardly smiled, “Brother Xie, is that master your
Xie family’s sponger?”

Xie Nuanhang’s complexion slightly changed as he promptly said, “Of course not.
Mr. He is our Xie family’s most important guest. Even if he were to assume the
position of elder in our clan, it would be a disgrace to his status.”

Ting Brightriver inwardly nodded to himself. Xie family was a big clan passed
through millenniums and they had already seen the likes of a Xiantian cultivator in
their clan, but not every one of its generation could produce such extraordinary
genius.

Currently, the most troublesome figures of the Xie family were naturally the three
tenth layer experts which made the family’s core. However, among all the
numerous elders among the clan, the highest achievement was merely the ninth
layer of Internal Energy.

Ninth layer Houtian experts were illustrious figures in Fire Crow country. To rope
in such experts, the four big clans had to spend large amounts of wealth and effort
every year, assigning them positions of elder in the clan.

However, if one were to compare such experts with a Xiantian realm expert, they
simply amounted to nothing.

If Xie family had not lost their minds, they would certainly not mention the
position of a clan elder before such a figure.

After a few moments, Ting Brightriver probingly asked, “Brother Xie, is it possible
for me to pay my respects to master He?” As he saw Xie Nuanhang’s complexion
instantly worsening, he immediately explained, “Brother Xie, don’t misunderstand,
please. I merely wish to offer my grandfather’s token, inviting Mr. He to the royal
palace to take a look. I have no other intentions whatsoever.”

Xie Nuanhang’s face eased a bit. However, he bitterly smiled after and said,
“Brother Ting, unfortunately you are a step late in coming here.”

“What?” Ting Brightriver asked in puzzlement.

Xie Nuanhang heaved a sigh and said, “Mr. He has left a few moments ago.”

Ting Brighriver’s face immediately revealed a completely undisguised

astonishment and irritation. Of course, he didn’t think that Xie Nuanhang was
fooling him over this matter.

Xie Nuanhang lightly coughed and said, “Brother Ting, while leaving, Mr. He said
that in three days at most, and a day at minimum, he would certainly return.”

Ting Brightriver’s complexion again changed. He deeply bowed and said, “In that
case, I would request brother Xie to let me stay in your noble residence for the time
being and introduce me later.”

Xie Nuanghang returned the courtesy and said, “This a trivial matter. However,
Mr. He has already said that he’s just entered the Xiantian realm and wants to be in
seclusion for some time. If he doesn’t meet for the time being, I’ll have to ask
brother Ting for forgiveness.”

Ting Brightriver smiled and said, “Of course, that doesn’t need to be mentioned.”

As he said these words, a figure flashed in his mind. His back already had cold
sweat.

Fortunately…fortunately….I completely ignored my urge….

Before long, He Yiming had left the Downwind city and arrived on a high
mountain outside the city.

Currently, the weather had already started to cool down. Even on the mountains
outside the Downwind city, a few travelers could be seen. He Yiming had
deliberately selected a desolate road to travel on. Eventually he found himself in a
small, secluded valley.

This valley was although not big, it had a small stream going through it. He
Yiming arrived by the stream and splashed water on his face. The ice-cold water
gradually cooled off his face which was somewhat heated.

After a while, he stood up.

Gradually closing his eyes, he began to feel everything around him.

He could feel that his body apparently had a profound connection with the external
world, and this connection was maintained with the help of True Qi.

He sat down by the stream; his eyes closed. The True Qi inside his body began to
slowly circulate.

The technique he used was precisely the one that allowed him to enter the Xiantian
realm, Blaze technique.

Gradually, the energy present in outside world began to enter his body through
indescribable means. He could clearly feel every acupoint in his body
strengthening as the True Qi coming from outside circulated inside his body.

Gradually, when the Blaze technique was completely circulated through its course,
when all the Internal Energy returned back to his Dantian, he felt a faint burning
sensation. However, this feeling was extremely dim, and it disappeared almost
immediately afterwards. It seemed that this fire type energy was undergoing some
bizarre transformation.

However, what sort of energy it changed into? This was beyond his
comprehension.

After thinking for a few moment, He Yiming had understood somewhat.

The blaze technique was not circulating through all the acupoints. However, each
and every acupoint that it was passing through seemed to be capable of absorbing
some external True Qi, being slowly strengthened thereby. On the other hand, the
acupoints which were not included in this process had no changes.

However, all the acupoints were connected with the meridians in the body. Even
the acupoints that didn’t have True Qi passing through them also received some
influence and were strengthened. However, the rate of their strengthening
compared to those that were absorbing True Qi can only be compared to drinking
the water left behind in the process of cooking if the latter was akin to eating meat.

After a few moments, the Blaze technique in his body switched to [Power Secrets],
then Primordial Energy, Ripple technique , and Withered Tree technique.

However, he soon discovered that even if he circulated all the five attributed
techniques, a lot of the acupoints were still not covered.

Moreover, all the techniques except Blaze technique absorbed True Qi from
external world at an extremely slow rate.
He had a vague idea. After receiving the aid of Withered Tree technique, Blaze
technique seemed to have undergone a subtle transformation. The efficiency of this
sort of technique already seemed to have far outstripped that of Withered Tree
technique, which was similarly a top level technique.

Moreover, along with his cultivation, the four other techniques including Withered
Tree technique were although also developing in the right direction, this
development was too slow- far too behind the Blaze technique.

He Yiming took a deep breath, eventually realizing why techniques were further
divided into Xiantian realm techniques and Houtian techniques.

Xiantian techniques not only represented strong capabilities, but were the
techniques aimed specifically for the cultivation of Xiantian cultivators.

He was completely certain that Xiantian techniques not only consisted of battle
skills, but also corresponding primary Internal Energy cultivation techniques.

Although he currently possessed [Splitting Mountain Thirty-Six Forms] and other

strong Xiantian battle skills, if he wished to progress smoothly in their cultivation,
he must learn further Xiantian realm primary Internal Energy techniques.

He inwardly sighed, deciding to cultivate the modified Blaze technique first. As for
the techniques pertaining to the rest of the attributes, he could only leave it to fate.

Or perhaps, through the means of relentless cultivation of the Primordial Energy

and other techniques, he could develop them into techniques of the same level as
that of the current Blaze technique.

However, he probably wouldn’t be able to accomplish this feat in a short time.

Chapter 25.1 - Xiantian True Qi

24 Feb 2017

Looking at his hands, an idea suddenly emerged in He Yiming’s mind.

He extended his hands flat out before clasping his palms and making a bizarre seal.
This was precisely the Hidden Needle Imprint invented by him, which could also
be considered a type of Xiantian battle skill.

As the True Qi inside his body circulated through the predetermined course, the
center of his palms faintly swelled before shooting two streams of air at a lightning
fast speed.
These two streams were no longer soundless and colorless. They carried a faint red
glow and had been shot with a severe air-cleaving sound.

Their speed was such that even He Yiming merely saw a red glow flickering before
him.

His jaw dropped in alarm as he looked ahead with a bewildered gaze.

Before him was the valley’s stone wall. At this moment, two fist-sized holes had
mysteriously appeared on the wall. Furthermore, in the depths of the holes, a
scorched black color could be seen, emitting white mist that was rising in spirals.

He Yiming gulped. Even he himself was not fully convinced whether he was
responsible for this outcome.

He sucked in a deep breath before extending his arms out again. True Qi slowly
circulated from his Dantian to his meridians before arriving in his arms.

A bit of True Qi slowly spread around from the center of his palms. Suddenly, a
strange red-colored substance grew out from the center of his palms.

He Yiming’s face turned exceptionally grave. He focused his whole attention on

this strange substance.

He was quite certain that this was precisely the True Qi. The particular True Qi of
his body which had been aroused with the help of Blaze technique.

His figure flickered, disappearing from his original position. The next moment,
he’d arrived before the stone wall. He lightly waved his hand. With a scattering
sound, countless dust particles dropped down from the wall.

As He Yiming closely observed, a deep trench appeared on the wall’s surface.

This was the harm caused by the True Qi after leaving the body.

This was the biggest difference between a cultivator’s Internal Energy and True Qi.
Regardless of how strong one’s Internal Energy can become, it can never leave
one’s body as an offensive measure. Once Internal Energy left the body, regardless
of how strong it might be, it would disappear without a trace even before it could
travel an inch outside one’s body.

To injure somebody from a distance, Houtian cultivators only had two options.
First- to cultivate a Xiantian battle skill similar to Hidden Needle Imprint, which
could only be accomplished by a genius.
The other method was much simpler and also the method used by the majority of
Houtian cultivators- the use of secret weapons. Be it a flying needle slenderly
hidden within cattle fur, or bow and arrow, or flowers and leaves, anything could
be used to injure somebody from a distance.

However, the prerequisite was that one’s Internal Energy must be able to sustain
the flight of whatever object was being used. Apart from this, there was no way for
Houtian cultivators to accomplish this feat.

However, Xiantian’s True Qi was evidently different. Even if this power were to
venture outside the body, under the manipulation through the True Qi inside the
body, it could interact with the Worldly Qi outside, thereby accomplishing the feat
of injuring somebody from a distance.

He Yiming’s True Qi was quite shallow- far from the optimal state. However, by
comparison, this was a qualitative leap, and it represented his formal entry into the
Xiantian realm.

He sucked in a deep breath. As the True Qi inside his body unceasingly circulated,
his figure moved about at a lightning fast speed. His two hands relentlessly waved,
and his two palms seemed to have grown two and a half meters long with red-
colored light-swords on them.

These two light-swords seemed substantial, transforming everything they touched

into ashes.

The True Qi produced due to the Blaze technique was strong- strong to an extent
that it filled He Yiming’s heart with an unshakable confidence.

The difference between the Xiantian and Houtian was too big- so much so that
even a tenth layer expert wouldn’t have a chance against the current him.

Before attaining the Xiantian realm, one would never be able to understand the true
disparity between the two realms.

Suddenly, He Yiming, who had been jumping about like a monkey, stopped before
his brows slightly creased. The light-swords on his palms had already disappeared.

The light-swords stretching out from his hands although looked quite majestic and
yielded quite good results, the rate of their True Qi consumption was beyond
horrifying. For He Yiming, who had recently entered this realm, this was simply a
burden that he couldn’t sustain for long intervals of time.

Although after attaining the Xiantian realm, he could absorb certain energies from
the external world, thereby replenishing the lost True Qi at a fast rate, this rate had
a limit. If the consumption of True Qi far outstripped the replenishment, he
wouldn’t be able to use this technique.

He Yiming stayed one complete day in the valley, training all his learned battle
skills once.

He could eventually ascertain that even in the hands of a Xiantian cultivator,

Houtian battle skills couldn’t exhibit a might equivalent to that of Xiantian battle
skills.

As for the Xiantian battle skills- Hidden Needle Imprint was a technique he’d
created by stealthily studying another Xiantian technique. Thus, there was no need
to mention it. However, he could now cultivate four new forms of [Splitting
Mountain Thirty-Six Forms] in one swoop after attaining the Xiantian realm.

He wished to continue for more, but was stumped at the seventeenth form.

This seventeenth form’s diagram was quite comical, demonstrating an individual

like a windborne kite, and its requirement of True Qi could only be described as
horrifying- simply impossible to fulfil for the current He Yiming.

He tried to force it once, and it resulted in his True Qi surging backwards, almost
destroying his meridians.

He Yiming was finally convinced that from the beginning of the seventeenth form,
the current him was incapable of cultivating this technique.

Although there were only four new forms, He Yiming was completely satisfied.
The might of any of these four forms was far above what any Houtian battle skill
could hope to attain. Furthermore, each of these four forms could slightly arouse
the Worldly Qi, thereby gaining an increase in the power of the battle skill.

He had complete confidence if he encountered a gold-crowned python again, he

wouldn’t be forced into wasting all of his Internal Energy and employing a move
that would injure both sides.

As long as he used any of these four forms, he could easily kill that spiritual beast
on the spot.

After a day’s experimentation, He Yiming had gained a basic understanding of

Xiantian realm. Of course, it was all conjecture based on his understanding. To
gain a true understanding, he still had a long road to cover.

His figure flickered before he left the valley and advanced towards the Downwind
city.
Meanwhile, he decided that as soon as the manufacturing of that inner-wear made
of long-armed raccoons skin was finished, he would leave.

Currently, Xie family was surrounded by their distinguished friends.

The only individuals qualified to be present at this occasion were the core members
of Xie family and the high ranking members of the other three influential families
that existed in Fire Crow country alongside the Xie family.

After the royal family’s prince, Ting Brightriver arrived, the other two families
also decided to make an appearance.

They were also like Ting Brightriver, believing that Xie family’s Xie Zhien had
crossed the bottleneck to Xiantian realm. After they learned the truth of the matter,
they all were exceedingly astonished.

Subsequently, they all tacitly decided to temporarily take shelter in Xie Mansion,
and Xie family naturally didn’t decline.

Chapter 25.2
26 Feb 2017

Currently, Xie Mingjin’s small courtyard had been restored. Except for the huge
hatchway opened above that secluded room and a few stone-grinding marks, it
looked exactly the same as before.

Xie Mingjin was personally living in this courtyard. However, he used one
building at most.

He was quite apprehensive inwardly as well. He simply couldn’t assure himself

that He Yiming would return. Although he knew that words of a Xiantian realm
cultivator should hold some certainty, he was still quite troubled about the potential
losses and was unable to calm down.

Suddenly, a laughter echoed in the courtyard, “Brother Xie, why are you alone
here? Where did you send off all the servants?” Xie Mingjin immediately jumped
from his chair. After leaving the building at a lightning fast speed, as he saw He
Yiming jubilantly smiling at him, all the worries in his heart dispersed.

“Brother He, you are finally back.” Xie Mingjin in a tone as if he’d been relieved
from a burden.

He Yiming turned his head, glancing towards a certain courtyard, and asked,
“Brother Xie, who is there?”
Xie Mingjin forced a bitter laugh and said, “They are powerful figures of the other
three big families of our country,” He paused for a bit as his eyes revealed a trace
of admiration before he continued, “Master He, they all have come to pay their
respects to you.”

“Master He?” He Yiming didn’t know whether to laugh or cry as he said, “Why are
you calling me Master?”

Xie Mingjin’s face turned grave as he said, “In our northwest countries, every
powerful figure that enters the Xiantian realm is bestowed the title of Master as a
token of respect. Eh? You didn’t know…..?”

He Yiming blankly shook his head. Previously, when he lived in Tai Cang county,
he’d no chance to come in contact with a Xiantian realm cultivator. How could he
have known these things?

Xie Mingjin observed him for a while and was eventually left speechless, “Master
He….”

He Yiming waved his hand and said, “Brother Xie, you and I, although have been
acquainted for a short time, see eye to eye in lot of matters. Just addressing each
other as brothers would do.”

If He Yiming had lived for a few more years and have had an abundant amount of
interactions with people, perhaps he would have indifferently accepted Xie
Mingjin’s way of addressing him. However, in the end, he was still a fifteen year
old youngster, and he truly viewed Xie Mingjin in a favorable light. Thus, when
the latter addressed him as Master, his whole body felt uncomfortable.

Xie Mingjin’s eyes turned somewhat emotional momentarily. He naturally

understood the underlying meaning of these words.

Deeply bowing his head once, he said, “All right, Brother He. Among these
people, whether you meet the family leaders of Mu family and Luo family, it
doesn’t matter. However, Ting Brightriver from the Ting family has personally
come here. It would be best if you take out some time to meet him once.”

He Yiming faintly startled and asked, “Why? Because he is from the royal
family?”

“No. Ting family is indeed royal family, but I am not asking you to meet him due
to this reason,” Xie Mingjin calmly said, “Our Fire Crow country has a single
Xiantian expert keeping watch over it.”
He Yiming’s eyes brightened as he asked in a lowered voice, “A person of the
royal family?”

“Correct. Royal family’s Master Ting Liferay,” Xie Mingjin faintly nodded and
said in a grave voice, “According to elder grandfather, Master Ting Liferay has
already lived for hundred and fifty years. He is an elderly figure who belongs to the
generation even preceding that of elder grandfather. Ever since he ascended to the
Xiantian realm, he’d always been the national protector of our Fire Crow country.”

Xie Mingjin’s voice exuded blatant admiration for this senior of Xiantian realm.

He Yiming’s heart faintly trembled as he asked, “Brother Xie, amongst our

northwest countries, does every country have a powerful Xiantian cultivator?”

Xie Mingjin hesitated for a bit before saying, “Basically every country has one.
However, not all Xiantian cultivators make their appearances public. Therefore,
many countries don’t have a Xiantian cultivator watching over them but they can’t
be provoked regardless.”

He Yiming unhurriedly nodded. Although he had no clue whether Heaven Sieve

country had a Master protector, he now knew that at the very least, there ought to
be hidden Xiantian realm experts.

His thoughts turned to another direction before he said, “You want me to accept
Ting Brightriver’s visit because Ting Liferay wants to meet me?”

“Precisely,” Xie Mingjin looked at He Yiming in surprise, wondering how quickly

the latter had guessed the crux of the matter.

He Yiming thought for a bit before making his decision and said, “Fine, then I will
trouble brother Xie to introduce them to me.”

“Them?” Xie Mingjin astoundedly asked.

“Yes. Since I am seeing one, I might as well see all three. There is no use in being
impartial.” He Yiming casually said.

Xie Mingjin immediately understood his intention. He thankfully glanced at him

before promptly leaving the courtyard, leading the way.

How can meeting one individual be same as meeting three? Furthermore, the
meaning behind asking him to make the introductions was also almost evident.
How could he not feel grateful?

Although there were no servants in this courtyard, outside, there were several tens
of servants keeping an close eye on this courtyard.
The news of He Yiming’s return arrived in Xie Grace’s ears as if it had grown its
own wings.

When Xie Mingjin arrived in the lobby, leading He Yiming, the two brothers were
already a step ahead in arriving there. They ordered to invite the representatives of
the three family for a get together.

After a few moments, three individuals entered the lobby side by side.

He Yiming immediately took the appearance of these three in his eyes.

In the middle of the three was an elegant middle-aged scholar. Beside him was a
tall and sturdy man, but the last one was a bit out of his expectations. It was
actually a middle-aged woman who still looked attractive.

As soon as these three individuals entered the lobby, their vision immediately
found He Yiming, which instantly caused them to reveal appalled and astounded
expressions.

Xie Grace had told them that He Yiming was a friend of their family but hadn’t
mentioned anything about his age. Therefore, they considered that if He Yiming
wasn’t a virtuous old man, he would certainly be a young, vigorous middle-aged
man.

However, as they saw He Yiming’s appearance, he didn’t resemble a middle-aged

man at all. Instead, he ought to be called a youngster.

All of them simultaneously thought, ‘Don’t tell me this is the person who has
broken through into the Xiantian realm?”

However, in the lobby, apart from the Xie brothers, Xie Mingjin was also present.

They were not unfamiliar with Xie Mingjin. To convince them that Xie Mingjin
had entered the Xiantian realm, you would be better off convincing them that
tomorrow, the troops of Grand Extension country will be here and annihilate all the
countries of Northwest.

When the three individuals entered, the Xie brothers had already stood up while
Xie Mingjin had never sat down to begin with. As for He Yiming, he was casually
sitting on the chair of the greatest authority. Except for glancing at them once, he’d
not made any movements at all.

However, to these three people, this arrogant behaviour made them feel nervous,
increasing their suspicion even more.
Xie Mingjin lightly coughed, stepped forward, and said, “Brother He, this is our
Fire Crow country’s prince, his majesty Ting Brightriver. This is Senior Mu Yuan,
the current family leader of the Mu family, and this is Lady Luo Xin, the current
family leader of the Luo family.

After Xie Mingjin finished speaking, the three individuals immediately made the
judgement inwardly. Even with their identities out in the open, this youngster had
remained indifferent. This only had one explanation.

A powerful Xiantian cultivator. Only a powerful Xiantian cultivator could stand

above the bounds of the courtesy of secular world and ignore the bounds of secular
world’s powers.

However, what felt astonishing and inexplicable to them was that Xie Mingjin had
addressed this person as brother He. What kind of relationship did they have?!

At this instant, the status of this big young master of Xie family, who was not seen
as too bright, suddenly increased to new heights.

He Yiming nodded at them, giving a few glances to Luo Xin.

With a body of a female, overpowering all the males and becoming the family
head- such women were rarely seen. At the very least, He Yiming’s memory didn’t
have a second such woman.

Luo Xin’s face had a respectful smile. If any other kid, who still let his hair flow
down, had dared to size her up with such an unbridled and astounded gaze, she
would have immediately gouged his eyes out.

However, before He Yiming, she simply didn’t dare have such a line of thinking.

Xie Mingjin turned his head and said, “Three elders, this is your little nephew’s
close friend, Master He Yiming.”

Bizarre expressions flickered in the eyes of Ting Brightriver and other two. This
person is indeed a powerful Xiantian cultivator, but he is surprisingly a close friend
of Xie Mingjin.

Thereupon, Xie Mingjin’s status in their eyes rose as high as Xie Nuanhang, even
leaving behind Xie Grace.

“Paying our respects to Master He.” The three simultaneously said and bowed to
the ground.

Before a Xiantian realm powerful person, one can never be too respectful.
He Yiming hesitated a bit before returning a greeting. A fine upbringing from
childhood had caused him to feel a bit strange accepting respects from people
senior to him in age.

However, his greeting undoubtedly revealed his inexperience, causing the three old
foxes to feel inwardly apprehensive. Even though they had seen the strange
occurrence in the Xie Mansion, they still had some reservations whether this
youngster, who had yet to see the world, was truly a powerful cultivator of
Xiantian realm.

He Yiming sharply held onto the traces of hesitation in their eyes. He couldn’t help
but crease his brows as a powerful aura involuntarily spread out from his body.

Chapter 26.1
26 Feb 2017

A powerful aura that was simply irresistible for Ting Brightriver and the rest
assaulted their faces.

It only took an instant to dispel all the doubts they had as their legs became
unsteady and they retreated three steps back.

A cultivator above the sixth layer could arouse his body’s aura through the
circulation of Internal Energy.

However, in the end, this aura only pertained to Internal Energy. Even an expert
with a cultivation of tenth layer’s peak couldn’t break this limit.

However, Xiantian realm cultivators were different. They didn’t use Internal
Energy, but True Qi, which could interact and transform Worldly Qi pervading the
world.

The aura produced by the True Qi simply couldn’t be contended by that of Houtian
realm’s Internal Energy.

Like a fire produced by coal could never compare to the fire produced by wood
regardless of how big of a pile one may set to fire.

Therefore, as soon as the three individuals perceived this aura, they immediately
felt boundless regret.

They had experienced this perception once from an old man’s body. Henceforth,
they never dared to question that old man’s authority, and currently, this was their
second time perceiving such a tyrannical power.
He Yiming immediately withdrew his aura. He wished to meet the Xiantian
cultivator of Fire Crow country, not to create new enemies for Xie family.

When the Ting Brightriver and the others had once again steadied themselves, their
reverence of He Yiming could clearly be seen in their eyes, perfectly
demonstrating their attitudes towards him.

He Yiming sat down in satisfaction. He looked at the pale-faced Ting Brightriver

and said, “You’ve come on the orders of Master Liferay?”

Ting Brightriver immediately took half a step forward and faintly bowed, “Yes, my
ancestor, Master Liferay, cultivates in the Fire Crow Tower. The old man has not
stepped a foot outside the tower for a full thirty years. That’s why he has asked me
to invite Master He. I humbly request you to take the trouble of visiting him.”

He Yiming’s face eventually revealed a smile before he stood and said, “All right. I
also wish to meet other Xiantian cultivators. It’s rare to receive Master Liferay’s
invitation. We’ll immediately leave,” He turned his head towards Xie Mingjin and
said, “Brother Xie, I take my leave.”

Xie Mingjin naturally didn’t dare stop him and immediately nodded with a smile.

The rest looked at each other’s faces. They didn’t expect He Yiming to be leaving
this quickly. Furthermore, he’d not exchanged a single word with Mu and Lu
family heads.

Ting Brightriver could only laugh bitterly before sounding his agreement and
leading the way.

The rest followed them to the entrance then followed the two with their eyes.

Mu Yuan heaved a sigh and said, “In a Xiantian cultivator’s eyes, only cultivators
of the same rank exist.”

Luo Xin eyes were strictly fixed at the street’s entrance, as if she was still
following He Yiming and Ting Brighriver’s figures that had already disappeared.
She only spoke after a few moments, “Xiantian realm…. I wonder whether we will
be able to breakthrough into this realm in our lifetimes.”

The illustrious figures standing at the entrance of Xie Residence suddenly lost their
voices. Their eyes peculiarly glowed, as if pondering over this question. However,
in the end, nobody offered any answer.

“Master He, this is precisely the Royal Palace.” Ting Brightriver respectfully said.

However, inwardly, he was bitterly smiling.

He Yiming immediately set off after speaking, not allowing him any time to gather
his attendants and making him walk on feet.

As one of the Fire Crow country’s princes and the only prince that was a tenth
layer expert, he had not gone through such an experience for more than ten years.

However, he didn’t dare complain in the slightest.

Among all the three tenth layer experts that were present in the Xie Residence, he
was the only one who had seen his ancestor Liferay act. He knew that although he
was an expert among Houtian cultivators, before Xiantian realm cultivators, he
didn’t amount to anything.

To lead the way for such a powerful character, he didn’t feel disgraced in any way.

He Yiming stopped and looked at the Fire Crow Royal Palace.

This was the residence of the Fire Crow country’s king. Naturally, it was the
country’s most luxurious and beautiful place, but at the same time, also the most
heavily guarded place.

However, the first thing He Yiming saw was actually a high tower.

This tower stood the tallest among all the buildings inside the Royal Palace. Not
merely the tallest, but also far surpassing the height of all the other constructions.

He immediately knew that this was certainly the Fire Crow Tower, and also the
residence of the elderly Xiantian cultivator of the Fire Crow country.

The guards stationed outside the palace naturally recognized Ting Brightriver’s
identity. When they saw the latter’s attitude towards He Yiming, they were
horrified.

Ting Brightriver waved his hand. Not a single guard dared to stop him, though a
few rushed inside the palace.

Under the lead of Ting Brightriver, the two soon arrived before the tower, where
someone was already awaiting them.

Ting Brightriver stepped forward and performed a courteous greeting, “Your

majesty, I’ve come,” Subsequently, he turned his head and said, “Master He, this is
our Fire Crow country’s king, his majesty Ting Brightfire.”

Ting Brightfire faintly waved his hand and said, “Brother, no need to introduce me
as a king before a Xiantian Master.”
He Yiming astoundedly looked at him. These words from Ting Brightfire certainly
allowed him to gain He Yiming’s favorable impression. However, after
experiencing the recent matter, He Yiming only gave him a nod.

Ting Brightriver retreated a step and personally opened the entrance of the tower,
“Master He, the ancestor is looking forward to meeting with you.”

He Yiming’s heart suddenly stirred. He was not afraid, but excited.

This was the first Xiantian cultivator he was about to meet. Naturally, he was filled
with expectations.

After He Yiming entered the tower, Ting Brightfire slowly closed the entrance.
After he turned around, the mild smile on his face had thoroughly vanished,
replaced by a shrewd yet grave appearance.

“Pass down my command. Within a hundred meters of this tower, nobody could
pause nor enter the tower. If someone dared to interrupt these two Master’s
conversation, I will kill every single one of you.”

“Yes, your majesty.”

A sound echoed before countless figures were mobilized.

Ting Brightfire and Ting Brightriver quickly moved outside the hundred meters of
tower. Subsequently, the king of Fire Crow country coldly said, “This person is so
young. Is he really Xiantian Master?”

“Absolutely,” Ting Brightriver unhesitatingly said, “His aura is like ancestor’s….

Terrifying.”

Ting Brightfire’s eyes brightened as he said, “I heard he is not from our country?”

“Yes, he has quite a friendly relationship with Xie family’s Xie Mingjin. That’s the
reason he is a guest in Xie family. They hadn’t expected him to suddenly
breakthrough into the Xiantian realm, though.”

“Xie Mingjin?” Ting Brightfire pondered, as if searching his brains for the details
pertaining to this name. After a few moments, his face revealed an extremely queer
expression before he said, “Brother, if I haven’t remembered wrongly, Xie family’s
Mingjin is only seventeen years old, right?

“Your majesty, your memory is correct. That child is indeed seventeen years old.”

“So….” Ting Brightfire’s face turned even more queer, “This Master He is friends
with Xie Mingjin? What actually is his age?”
Ting Brightriver bitterly smiled and shook his head, “He didn’t say, and I didn’t
dare ask. However, from his appearance and conduct, it’s certainly not too big.” He
first wished to say about twenty. However, these words simply refused to come out
of his mouth. Without any better options, he was forced to give a vague answer.

Ting Brightfire turned around, looking at the towering Fire Crow country for quite
a while, “Such a young Xiantian Master. I wonder whether Ancestor will be able to
convince him. If he agrees to be my Fire Crow country’s National Guardian
Master, Fire Crow country will remain peaceful for hundred more years.”

Chapter 26.2
26 Feb 2017

After entering the tower, He Yiming’s vision observed his surroundings before
following the tower’s staircase and slowly walking upwards.

Although there didn’t seem to be anyone in the tower, he could feel that on the
fifth floor resided an expert capable of posing a threat to him.

The two were yet to face each other, but through special abilities of True Qi, they
could feel the other’s existence and also the dread.

The extent of destructive power possessed by a Xiantian cultivator lied far beyond
the comprehension capabilities of an ordinary person.

The fifth floor was completely empty except for five mats arranged on the floor.
There was no decorations, no furniture.

On one of the mats sat an old man with completely white hair and beard. Although
his appearance seemed quite aged, making him look in his seventies or eighties, his
eyes brimmed with a vigour that He Yiming never expected to see.

It seemed as if the individual sitting before him was not a old man, but a male in
his thirties or forties.

However, the instant both saw each other, although He Yiming was quite
surprised, Ting Liferay’s’ astonishment was such that the calmness he’d preserved
for several decades was overrun by the billowing waves in his heart.

Although Ting Brightfire and Brightriver were incapable of determining He

Yiming’s true age, Ting Liferay was already certain that this partially curious,
partially excited, and partially eager Xiantian cultivator was not twenty yet.

His heart was suddenly pricked by trace of extremely bitter and agonizing feeling.
This youngster has already passed that most critical juncture and have become a
true Xiantian cultivator…..

He was even more clearer of the underlying meaning behind this feat than Ting
Brightfire and the rest. His original plans of persuasion immediately disappeared.

He already knew that he had no chance of convincing this youngster to be trapped

within Fire Crow country.

The two looked at each other for a few moments before He Yiming eventually
performed a deep bow and said, “Junior He Yiming, greets senior.”

Ting Liferay stood up and cupped his hands, “Brother He need not be too polite.
Please have a seat.”

He Yiming sat down on the opposite mat, feeling quite strange inwardly. He
couldn’t figure why would a Xiantian cultivator reside in such miserable
conditions.

Liferay’s face revealed a calm and peaceful smile as he said, “Brother He, you
have recently entered the Xiantian realm, so you might not know some Xiantian
rules.”

He Yiming immediately shook his head and said, “This is indeed the case. Seeking
guidance from Senior.”

Ting Liferay suddenly placed his hands on his legs. This motion suddenly exuded
an extremely harmonious feeling. He Yiming vaguely felt that his interaction and
connection with the Worldly Qi lacked far behind in comparison to the individual
before him.

“The world is vast and cultivators innumerable. However, those who can step into
the Xiantian realm are dragons and phoenixes above the mortal world,” Ting
Liferay’s voice was not heavy but contained a strong air of arrogance, “Dragons
and Phoenixes when fly, fly above nine heavens, when dive, dive deeper than nine
hells, and so can extraordinary people.”

He Yiming faintly nodded, but inwardly, he was somewhat at a loss. Strangely, the
old man’s words exuded a strong feeling of looking down and standing above all
living things, as if he held no regard for the lives of ordinary people.

However, this feeling didn’t connect with He Yiming at all. The number of people
he cared about was indeed too much.

Ting Liferay closed his mouth, as if having felt something from He Yiming’s eyes.
After a few moments, the old man bitterly laughed and said, “I am really an old
fool. Why am I explaining these things to you now? After you live for hundred
years, you will naturally understand this reasoning,” He paused for bit before
continuing, “in simple terms, once you attain the Xiantian realm, your identity will
no longer be similar to that of ordinary people. Henceforth, you are above the
mortal world, and your age is no longer an issue. Your strength will be the only
measure to judge you.”

He Yiming’s face revealed a sudden understanding. However, inwardly, he didn’t

quite approve. Though he had no intentions to wrangle with this old man before
him.

“Brother He, if you meet a Xiantian Master in the future, as long as you address
the counterpart by their name or surname, it will be enough. You need not use or
consider yourself with a junior’s identity.”

He Yiming hesitated for a bit, then faintly nodded. If these were the agreed rules
among the Xiantian cultivators, he’d no problem abiding them.

Although Ting Liferay’s age was quite high, he was not lacking in the energy
department. He chatted about anything and everything with He Yiming, telling him
various sorts of interesting tales about northwestern countries.

He Yiming then came to know that this old man had apparently travelled the whole
world. He’d basically travelled every country in the northwest, even once making a
trip to the faraway Grand Extension country, which was called the country of ten
thousand countries.

Due to this, the old man’s knowledge was profound, provoking extreme yearning
in He Yiming.

The topic once again returned back to Fire Crow country. Ting Liferay suddenly
sighed and said, “Unfortunate.”

He Yiming faintly started and said, “What’s unfortunate?”

“This old man previously thought that it was that child Xu Zhien from the Xu
family who has cleared the bottleneck,” Ting Liferay said while incessantly
sighing.

He Yiming’s eyes immediately opened wide and face twitched.

In this old man’s eyes, that white-haired Xie Zhien has actually become a child. As
He Yiming recalled Xie Zhien’s appearance, he suddenly felt like laughing and
crying at the same time.
This child would probably be one of its kind in the world.

Ting Liferay shook his head and said, “For brother to step into Xiantian realm is
obviously a joyous occasion. However, as far as our Fire Crow country is
concerned, Xie Zhien entering the Xiantian realm would have been quite
fortunate.”

He Yiming, although somewhat dissatisfied inwardly, understood the meaning

behind these words.

Ting Liferay suddenly changed the topic, “Brother He, since you’ve broken
through in my Fire Crow country, you and this country have karma between you. I
wish to offer you a present. Please, don’t decline.”

After saying these words, he pushed his hands into his robe and took out an old-
looking, black stone.

He Yiming observed the stone, but was unable to guess its identity.

Ting Liferay looked at this stone. Momentarily, his eyes seemed as if he couldn’t
bear to part with this stone. However, it was only for a moment before he directly
presented the gift before He Yiming.

“This is my humble gift, please don’t decline.”

He Yiming didn’t know what this thing was, but even an idiot can tell that this
stone was extremely precious. Otherwise, Ting Liferay wouldn’t have treasured it
so much.

Hesitating a bit, He Yiming said, “Master Ting, it is said that don’t accept the
reward you don’t deserve. I don’t dare accept this thing.”

Ting Liferay lightly laughed and said, “Brother He, this old man has no other
intentions except for friendship. Is that not enough?” He slightly caressed the stone
as he continued, “This is a chunk of Magnetic Steel Source I found in my former
day while travelling the world. Although it’s not some extremely precious artifact,
it is one of the metals that can sustain True Qi. Brother He, if you forge some
weapon, you can merge the two without any worries at all.”

He Yiming cried out in surprise before asking, “Master Ting, could it be that
ordinary weapons can’t sustain Xiantian’s True Qi?”

Ting Brightray coarsely laughed before saying, “How powerful is Xiantain’s True
Qi? So, how can ordinary weapons sustain it?”
Cold sweat seeped out of He Yiming’s clothes. His heart only had one thought that
he’d fortunately left the broadsword in the Xie Residence. Otherwise, if he’d
infused it with True Qi, it would have been destroyed.

After thinking for a bit, He Yiming eventually picked up the stone and said, “I will
no longer decline Master Ting’s kindness. If there’s something I can do for Master
Ting, I will certainly spare no effort.”

Ting Liferay nodded while beaming with smiles. He was quite pleased with He
Yiming’s attitude. Subsequently, he gravely explained the use of this stone and
properties. What made He Yiming astonished was that this object’s use was quite
simple. One only needed to melt it in liquid form, then place the weapon inside.
The weapon will automatically absorb it.

He Yiming had never heard about such a wondrous metal before. However,
looking at this fist-sized metal, he felt rather awkward inwardly.

Would this bit of Magnetic Steel Source be able to transform his entire
broadsword?

As soon as he thought about the length of his broadsword, he didn’t feel positive in
the slightest.

Chapter 27.1
05 Mar 2017

The tower’s gate slowly opened, and He Yiming’s figure suddenly appeared
outside the gate. He turned back and performed a deep bow towards the insides of
the tower. Subsequently, he waved his sleeves and immediately left, walking
towards the entrance of the Royal Palace.

All the guards had already been commanded to pretend as if they hadn’t seen
anything regarding He Yiming’s departure. However, they wouldn’t have been
able to stop him even if they wished.

A few moments later, He Yiming had left the Royal Palace. However, right at this
moment, Ting Brightfire appeared in the tower himself.

“Ancestor, has Master He agreed to serve as our Fire Crow country’s national
protector?”

Before Ting Liferay, he never put on any air as Fire Crow country’s king. The truth
was that if he’d not received the former’s approval back in the day, he might not
have ascended the throne.
Ting Liferay faintly shook his head, “We can’t ask this person.”

Ting Brightfire’s face slightly changed as he said, “Ancestor, Master He seemed to

be a Master who had recently entered the Xiantian realm. The scriptures and
treasures our royal family had collected are innumerable. If we allow him to take
his pick, he might not be able to decline, no?”

Ting Liferay gave him a cold look before saying, “Brightfire, I know you’re very
expectant, but keep in mind that this person’s future accomplishments are beyond
your comprehension, and those capable of raising such a person are only those
super high level sects that are hidden from the world. He might not put our tiny
Fire Crow country’s trifling treasury into his eyes,” He toned down his voice as he
continued, “However, I’ve attempted to establish friendly relationship with him. In
the future, if we meet again, he shouldn’t see Fire Crow country as his enemy.”

Ting Brightfire finally gave up and let out a sigh, not speaking a word.

While Ting Liferay was actually sighing inwardly. Although Magnetic Steel
Source was quite rare, a Xiantian cultivator wouldn’t consider it as a precious
treasure at all. However, after knowing He Yiming’s true age, he completely gave
up on convincing him to become the protector of Fire Crow country.

Therefore, the true treasure he’d been originally intending to give was replaced at
the last moment.

If this article could win a Xiantian expert’s acquaintanceship, it was more than
enough for its worth.

After leaving the Royal Palace, He Yiming naturally returned to the Xie
Residence.

Currently, Mu Yuan and Luo Xin had already left. However, they both had left
behind some precious treasures, asking Xie family to deliver in their stead.

When Xie Mingjin took out these gifts, even He Yiming was somewhat astonished.

The treasures they left behind were not as exaggerated as the Magnetic Steel
Source but were still exceedingly rare artifacts, some among which, He Yiming
had never heard of.

He thought for a while and asked Xie Mingjin about the relationship between these
big influential families.

He then finally understood. Although these four big influential families competed
each other for power, at the same time, they were interrelated with marriage. You
have a part of me, and I have a part of you…..It was a complete mess.
However, this was not strange. As long as one thought about the current situation
in the Tai Cang county, it was evident.

Not to mention the clans possessing legacies of milleniums, even the clans that had
been passed on through a few centuries also took marriage extremely seriously.

Tai Cang county’s He and Cheng families had only recently established a marital
relationship. However, how long had it been since Xu and Cheng families did the
same? These clans’ relationships were quite tangled and complicated. Sometimes,
they tried to suppress each other, but other times, they also supported each other.

In other words, the relationship between them simply couldn’t be described in

words. He Yiming also didn’t care much. After understanding a little bit, he
immediately escaped from this mess.

Looking at the shining piles of gifts in the courtyard, He Yiming said in a

straightforward manner, “These things don’t have much use for me. You can do as
you see fit.”

Xie Mingjin faintly started before involuntarily creasing his brows. He Yiming
indeed had the authority to make such arrangements, but he didn’t dare casually
deal with these gifts.

“Brother Xie, I’ve already spent many days here. I must return home,” He lowered
his tone, “I wonder whether that innerwear has been completed?”

Xie Mingjin was alarmed inwardly, “Brother He, I’ve already ordered to speed up
the process. However, it would take at least about ten more days. But why are you
leaving so soon? Could it be that my families reception was somehow
unsatisfactory?”

He Yiming waved his hand and said, “No, I didn’t mean it in that way. I’ve already
been away from home for a long time. Now that I’ve even entered the Xiantian
realm, I naturally wish to make a trip back home. I can’t always wander outside.”

Xie Mingjin faintly nodded. He first wished to ask the location of He Yiming’s
home, but at the last moment, he forced himself to stop. Without any better
options, he was forced to change the topic, “Brother He, what are your plans upon
returning home?”

He Yiming thought for a bit then said, “I don’t have any specific plans. After a bit
of rest at home, I will probably travel outside once again and see for myself
whether this world is truly as wonderful as they say.”

As he said these words, his eyes shined momentarily.

Conversing with Ting Liferay had placed the notion of travelling the world in his
heart. Moreover, this notion was quite strong.

Xie Mingjin inwardly sighed, recalling his elder grandfather’s words. He Yiming
indeed couldn’t be bound within the struggles of a particular region.

He Yiming’s suddenly felt something. His gaze intentionally or unintentionally,

momentarily shot towards the entrance. Subsequently, he let out a chuckle and
said, “Brother Xie, I still remember the three-year agreement. Within three years at
most, I will return back here and help the elder in attacking the Xiantian realm.”

Xie Mingjin immediately retreated a step and deeply bowed to him before
sincerely saying, “Many thanks, brother He.”

“Many thanks, Master He.”

At the same time, an aged voice sounded from the entrance. Xie Mingjin
immediately ran to the entrance, and as expected, found Xie Zhien standing at the
entrance.

The old man entered and immediately performed a respectful greeting, “Master He,
this lowly old man just heard that you will be leaving soon?”

“Yes, about ten days later, I will be returning back home.” He Yiming said without
hiding anything.

Xie Zhien heaved a sigh and said, “Since Master He wishes to leave, we naturally
don’t dare stop you. However, since you’ve agreed to protect this old man while
ascending, this old man doesn’t dare act unconcerned.” He extended his hands,
presenting a several inch thick book.

As He Yiming saw the prudent and grave appearance of the former, he

immediately understood that the contents of this book were quite significant.

Chapter 27.2
05 Mar 2017

He extended his hands and accepted the book while his eyes carefully observed
Xie Zhien’s face.

Xie Zhien said with a grave face, “Master He, the number of clans with a legacy of
millenniums are actually not few in Fire Crow country. However, have you
wondered why our Xie clan managed to stand tall and rise as one of the four big
clans?
He Yiming faintly started and said, “It ought to be because your clan raised Fire
Crow’s name with your profound alchemic legacy.”

Xie Zhien stroked his beard and faintly smiled, “It’s undoubtedly one of the
reasons. However, the true reason is that in the past, a Xiantian Master had
appeared in our Xie family.”

He Yiming’s eyes slightly rose before he slightly trembled and his vision went to
the book in his hands.

Xie Zhien’s voice contained myriad of emotions as he said, “All of the Fire Crow’s
four big clans once had a Xiantian Master, and each had enjoyed their share of
glory.Two hundred years ago, which was also the Fire Crow country’s most
glorious phase, there were three Masters as the National Protectors. However, there
is only one from the royal family at the moment, unfortunately.”

He Yiming faintly nodded, but didn’t offer any assertions. He faintly understood
the counterpart’s expectations from him. However, he’d no intentions whatsoever
to become the National Protector of the Fire Crow country.”

Xie Zhien’s vision fell on the book in He Yiming’s hand as he said, “Our family is
reputed for our dao of alchemy. However, basically all we refine are Houtian pills.
If we have something that is truly precious, it ought to be the records left behind by
that senior who treaded the path of Xiantian realm.”

He Yiming sucked in a breath and said, “Elder Xie, this book is the records left
behind by that senior?”

“Correct,” Xie Zhien bitterly smiled and said, “According to reason, this book
ought to be the most precious treasure of our Xie family which couldn’t be shown
to outsiders ever. However, the truth is, the contents of this book has no use for
us,” He paused for a moment before continuing, “You’re humble enough to see
Mingjin as your friend, as such, you’re no outsider. Therefore, we, Xie family,
present you this original version in hopes that it would be beneficial to you.”

He Yiming gravely nodded and cautiously placed the book in his bosom.

However, inwardly, he knew that the words that came out only seemed majestic. In
reality, he’d only gave such a precious gift to see He Yiming return after three
years and provide him help.

“Many thanks for your kindness, elder. This surnamed He will never forget it,” He
Yiming pledged, “Three years after, irrespective of whether I have made any
progress in the dao of alchemy or not, I will definitely come back to seek your
guidance again.”
Xie Zhien’s eyes shined, and his face revealed a sincere smile.

He Yiming suddenly recalled another matter. Turning his head, he asked, “Brother
Xie, do you know where I can find a furnace made of Jadestone?”

“Furnace of Jadestone?” Xie Minjin astoundedly asked, “Although Jadestone is not

too valuable, using it to cast a furnace is rarely seen.”

Jadestone was a strange rock that grew everywhere in Northwest countries.

This rock had a strange property. Its heat conduction was exceedingly good and
once heated, it would maintain its temperature for long periods of time.

Moreover, this stone was as white as jade. Due to its pleasing appearance, it was
the favourite option of those big, aristocratic families to serve as their heating
brick-bed in winter.

Xie Zhien faintly creased his brows. Although the request raised by He Yiming
was quite queer, it was an opportunity for some flattery and to score some
favourable impressions. Even if the latter had raised a request hundred fold
stranger, they would have tried their hardest to fulfil.

“Master He, If I may ask, what use do you have for a furnace made of Jadestone?”

He Yiming also didn’t hide anything and said, “A while ago when I entered the
royal palace and conversed with Master Ting Liferay, he gifted me a chunk of
Magnetic Steel Source. Once this metal is melted and is assimilated into my
weapon, the weapon I wield could then be infused with Xiantian True Qi.”

Xie Mingjin asked in a strange tone, “What type of metal is Magnetic Steel
Source? Could it be that it can’t be melted with ordinary, steel furnaces?”

He Yiming’s brows faintly creased as he said, “I’m afraid it won’t. If it is melted

with ordinary steel furnaces, it will be automatically absorbed by the furnace.
However, it won’t be absorbed by Jadestone. Thus, it can only be melted in a
furnace casted in Jadestone,” His face suddenly revealed a teasing smile as he said,
“Brother Xie you wouldn’t actually presume that I would want a steel furnace as
my weapon, would you?”

Xie Mingjin’s face slightly reddened as he said, “Of course not. However….” He
hesitated a bit before continuing, “Even if there is a furnace made of Jadestone,
going by the length of your weapon, I’m afraid it wouldn’t be possible.”

Xie Zhien interjected, “Master He, the weapon you wield is…?”
In the Xie Residence, apart from the father and son, other people had not seen his
frightening broadsword. As such, when he saw Xie Mingjin talking in such a
manner, he couldn’t help but feel somewhat curious.

Xie Mingjin immediately said, “Wait a bit, elder grandfather. Brother He, can my
grandfather see your broadsword?”

Although the broadsword could be partitioned into three parts, each of these parts
was a meter long and was extremely heavy. The weapon was not fit to be carried
around at all times. Therefore, He Yiming had placed it in his bedroom.

Hearing Xie Mingjin’s question, He Yiming coarsely laughed and said, “Of
course.”

His feet moved, leaving the entrance in a flash. His movements didn’t have a bit of
abruptness and seemed completely natural. It seemed once he stepped out, this
ought to be the distance covered.

Xie Mingjin couldn’t discern the strangeness of this step but Xie Zhien was only
too clear. He heaved a sigh, brimming with envy inwardly.

The speciality of Xiantian realm not only shined during battle, even in daily life, it
could ascend one to another level.

Moving in such a natural manner- if Xie Zhien himself were to try it, he wouldn’t
be able to accomplish it in such a relaxed and smooth manner.

After a few moments, He Yiming returned. When he revealed the broadsword,

even with the knowledge Xie Zhien possessed, he couldn’t help but widen his eyes.

He bitterly laughed and said, “Master He, this is the weapon you wield?”

“Correct, “ He Yiming assembled the broadsword and cautiously placed it flat on

the table. If he’d erected it straight, would it have stab opened a huge hole in the
roof? Hard to tell.

Xie Zhien now understood the meaning behind Xie Mingjin’s words. Finding a
Jadestone furnace that could fit this sword was almost impossible.

However, this old man merely thought for a few moments before suddenly saying,
“Master He, the matter of furnace is not a hard one to solve. Your sword can be
disassembled into three parts, and our Xie Mansion is also not lacking in Jadestone
to make a rockbed. As long as we are given five days, we can certainly make the
furnace. However…..” His gazed at He Yiming and continued, “Your weapon is
extraordinary. As such, the materials required will be several times compared to
normal weapons.”
He Yiming faintly nodded. The older, the wiser. The old man could tell at a glance
that He Yiming himself had no way of solving this issue.

Taking out the Magnetic Steel Source given by Ting Liferay, He Yiming said,
“The quantity of this metal is not that much, but to refine one section of the sword,
it will be more than enough. If elder can solve the issue of the furnace, we can
immediately begin the refining.”

Xie Zhien immediately patted his chest as if making an oath. At the same time, he
also promised to ask the other members of Xie family to keep an eye for Magnetic
Steel Source for his entire sword.

However, He Yiming didn’t care about this promise at all.

If Magnetic Steel Source was this easy to obtain, Ting Liferay wouldn’t have
valued it so much. To find this treasure in the hands of an ordinary person- this
could only be counted as an extremely lucky chance.

However, the promise made to He Yiming was treated as the most important task
in the entire Xie Mansion.

In the afternoon, the most reputed craftsmen of the Downwind city was invited to
the Xie Mansion. They didn’t invite a single individual, but a group of more than
ten people. Three among which were in the middle of working for Mu family.

The Mu family immediately discharged the men after hearing Xie family’s
explanation. They absolutely wouldn’t wish to offend a Xiantian expert over such a
trivial matter.

Taking a time of merely four days, the craftsmen had produced a two meter long
furnace. Moreover, this furnace differed from the usual. It wasn’t erected, but
placed flat on the ground. Furthermore, it had twenty legs for support. Regardless
of how you look at it, it was a colossal monster.

He Yiming was exceedingly pleased with this object. As soon as the manufacturing
process was complete, he politely asked the Xie family for the refining process
without the slightest hesitation.

The fist-sized Magnetic Steel Source was placed into the furnace, and the flame
underneath was ignited.

After a while, all the Magnetic Steel Source was completely transformed into
paste.
Jadestone not only had an excellent heat conduction, even more significant was its
exceedingly high melting temperature. Under ordinary conditions, it would never
melt.

He Yiming placed the first section into the paste. As expected, a mysterious
phenomenon occurred. The paste particles, as if alive, took the initiative to enter
the sword. Moreover, according to He Yiming’s observation, the distribution was
also quite homogenous.

If not for seeing with his own eyes, he wouldn’t have believed this phenomenon.

After an hour, there was no paste in the furnace. When He Yiming took out the
head of the sword, there was actually an indistinct, mysterious glow on the
broadsword.

After cooling the blade, when He Yiming again picked up the blade, he could
apparently feel the unusual strength contained in its body. This made him sigh in
wonder.

Only because there were so many people, He Yiming was able to force himself to
not try the sword on the spot, and instead put it back into its sheath.

A few days later, under the supervision of Xie Mingjin and the rest, the
manufacturing of the inner-wear was completed. He Yiming bid them farewell and
left.

Chapter 28.1 - The Road Back Home

05 Mar 2017

After leaving the Xie Residence, He Yiming didn’t take the mountain road again
and instead followed the official road, heading towards Heaven Sieve country.

While leaving, he refused all the gifts except for a colt from Luo family- a reputed
breed of horse in the north.

This horse named ‘Red Silk’ was only two years old. It was an exceedingly rare
red-colored breed, which didn’t have a single hair of different color on its body. Its
ability to bear weight was outstanding. It didn’t seem to be going through any
trouble while carrying both He Yiming and that three hundred jin heavy
broadsword.

Even an idiot could tell that this horse was precious and rare. However, only
because this was the case had He Yiming accepted it.
Travelling merely five days on the horse, He Yiming left the borders of Fire Crow
country, arriving in the Gold Forest country.

Actually, if he’d used Red Silk’s speed to its limit, he certainly wouldn’t have
required five days. However, He Yiming was travelling for the first time on the
road after all- unlike the previous instance when he could move as he pleased in
the forest. As such, in order to avoid taking a wrong turn, he’d no choice other than
to steer the colt slowly.

In the northwestern countries, apart from those three powerful countries, the rest
didn’t contain more than five county districts individually, among which there was
no lack of those that only contained a single county and county town.

The Gold Forest country only had two counties and was ranked in the far back
among the northern countries. Moreover, currently, He Yiming wished to return as
soon as possible. As such, he’d no interest in stopping here.

Turning at a mountain road, He Yiming pulled the reins. As his gaze fell down, he
couldn’t help but reveal an astonished expression.

On this road, ten corpses were lying around. All the corpses were covered with
bloodstains, clearly indicating that they had been killed in battle.

He Yiming was not seeing such a scene for the first time. Be it the massacre in the
Cheng family, or the Cheng family returning the favor to the bandits, in both the
cases, there were far more deaths than the scene currently laid out before him.
Therefore, He Yiming didn’t panic at all, and rather inspected the scene before him
with creased brows.

Around these corpses, weapons were randomly lying around. It seemed that this
battle had already been over for quite some time. However, He Yiming couldn’t
figure out why nobody had sorted out the scene.

He Yiming thought for a bit. As he was looking at the weapons on the ground, his
heart suddenly stirred.

Ting Liferay had said that ordinary weapons couldn’t sustain the Xiantian True Qi.
He’d not verified this fact for himself.

Sitting on the horse, He Yiming reached out with his hand. Immediately
afterwards, a steel sword on the ground suddenly stirred and went into his hand.

He Yiming softly waved it. Although he couldn’t tell this weapon’s standard, he’d
a feeling that this sword was the best among all the weapons lying here.
The Blaze technique immediately operated inside his body, carrying the True Qi to
the sword through the meridians of his arm.

Imbuing with Internal Energy could increase the weapon’s might. This wasn’t
strange. However, True Qi was grossly different.

At first, there didn’t seem to be any change in the sword. However, after a few
minutes, it started to turn red. By touching the sword, He Yiming could even tell
that the interior of this sword had begun to rupture. With a sigh, he threw the
sword down. However, as soon as the sword’s body touched the ground, it
exploded into pieces.

He Yiming faintly shook his head, astoundedly looking at his palm before his
gratitude for Ting Liferay slightly increased.

Regardless of the value of the Magnetic Steel Source that the old man had given
him, it was a treasure that solved a desperate situation for him. This favour must be
paid back in the future.

His thoughts slightly stirred before he unwrapped the bundle on the horseback,
picking up the first section of his weapon.

Compared to the two bare rods, this one meter long blade seemed to have a
peculiar luster. He Yiming was convinced that if his grandfather were to see this
blade, he might not be able to sound his recognition.

After all, after the Magnetic Steel Source had seeped into it, the broadsword had
gone through some transformations and simply couldn’t be associated with the
original one.

Bit by bit, pure Xiantian True Qi entered the broadsword. He Yiming’s movements
were quite cautious and prudent. This was, after all, his own broadsword. Although
Ting Liferay had said that after being modified by the Magnetic Steel Source, there
should be no problems, if it still failed to sustain the Xiantian True Qi and was
destroyed as a result, it would be too late to cry.

With the continuous imbuement with True Qi, the entire broadsword began to emit
a faint, red glow. This red glow was vastly different than the red color that had
appeared on that sword a few moments ago. It seemed to carry a trace of
spirituality and vary according to the amount of True Qi being subjected upon it.

He Yiming’s eyes shined. This blade could truly sustain the Xiantian True Qi
without crumbling apart. Moreover, it could even conduct the True Qi, bringing
about a sword radiance within a certain range.
He casually swung the sword towards the ground. Amidst the flickering sword
radiance, a deep cut appeared on the ground. Like a hot knife through butter, the
cut seemed extremely smooth without a bit of resistance.

He was exceedingly pleased. His thoughts again shifted before a red-colored light-
sword slowly protruded out from the center of his left palm. This sword didn’t
have any substance to it, and was rather purely made from the True Qi inside his
body, which in turn, stimulated certain energies in the external world.

Raising the broadsword in his hand, he lightly bumped it into the light sword on
the other palm.

The light-sword immediately dissipated whereas the broadsword remained

unaltered.

He Yiming let out a sigh. He’d understood that although the True Qi allowed him
to create a light-sword, its strength was limited. In simple terms, it was extremely
frail.

Before a stationary tree, it might seem majestic but before a weapon in the hands of
a Xiantian cultivator, the outcome was evident. If he clashed with his light-sword
head-on against a weapon in the hands of an expert of the same rank, he wouldn’t
even know how he died.

As he was inwardly sighing with emotions, he indistinctly heard sounds of horses

rushing towards him.

He Yiming collected his thoughts and placed the broadsword back in the cloth
before slowly urging the horse. He slowly moved forward, not minding the corpses
lying on the ground at all.

As he turned at a corner, he saw seven or eight horses sweeping past him. The
riders of the horses had robust statures and were assuming cold faces without a
trace of a smile. The moment they crossed paths with He Yiming, all of them threw
a quick glance at him; their eyes gleaming with cold and fierce expressions.

However, the strength of these men didn’t fall into He Yiming’s consideration. He
simply ignored them completely and kept going unconcerned. Of course, under his
control, Red Silk slowed down; not much quicker compared to the donkeys at his
home.

Not long after, the sounds of horses once again echoed from his behind. Those few
riders again went past him but from behind this time. The moment they crossed
paths, they all threw glances filled with malice at him. However, they didn’t create
any trouble and continued onward.
However, He Yiming had already seen three of the horses carrying a corpse each.
The attire of the corpses seemed somewhat similar to these individuals’. He
immediately understood that three among those corpses were companions of these
riders.

These riders had hurriedly come and hurriedly returned, seeming quite affectionate
with these three corpses.

He lightly kicked with his legs. The horse immediately picked up a little speed.
Since these riders didn’t find any trouble with him, he’d no reason to stay here
either. As for the remaining corpses, someone from the authorities would deal with
it.

Chapter 28.2
05 Mar 2017

After a few hours, the sun had already inclined towards the west. However, He
Yiming could hear a commotion from ahead.

He Yiming faintly bent his ear to listen. This was not a fight breaking out but
sounds of a group of people gathered together.

He again exerted his feet, and this time, the horse rushed forth like lightning. After
a few moments, he could see a group of people setting up a camp.

The Northwest was vast and unbounded. Although there were many countries of
varying magnitudes, on the whole, the whole region was quite sparsely populated.

Not coming across a single village or inn for a whole day was quite common while
travelling. Caravans outside for touring or business purposes could often be seen
setting up camps out in the open.

Within a mere few days, He Yiming had come across such sights two times. The
current scene was already the third time. The previous two times, there were only a
few tents. This time, however, the camp seemed to be set for more than a hundred
people.

Before He Yiming’s horse had even approached them, five riders from the group
rushed out of the group. They skillfully manipulated their warhorses and charged
towards him.

As the two sides drew closer, the expressions of these men somewhat changed. He
Yiming, however, had already discovered that these were the same riders he’d
encountered before.
Among them, a forty or fifty year old rider cupped his hands and said, “Friend,
you’ve followed us all the way until here. I wonder what is the reason.”

Although their expressions brimmed with malice, not a single one among them
acted. Of course, He Yiming’s appearance being too young was also one of the
reasons.

He Yiming astoundedly said, “Uncle, you must be joking. I I am taking my path,

not following you.”

That rider gravely observed He Yiming. After a few moments, his face eased
somewhat.

“Good horse.”

A bright voice sounded from the far back of the group. Subsequently, more than
ten riders could be seen rushing over at a lightning fast speed.

Ten robust men were escorting a handsome, young master.

This young noble’s gaze never left Red Silk. His eyes were shining with a peculiar
luster.

He Yiming’s brows slightly creased, feeling a premonition of the impending

trouble.

Although he was not afraid of trouble, he would rather not have it. If possible, he
wouldn’t want a conflict with the counterpart.

“Fan Seventh , what’s happening? Who is this?” The young master raised the whip
in his hand and asked while pointing it towards He Yiming.

That middle-aged man faintly bowed on the horseback and said, “Second young
master, we were setting the camp when this Mr. came from the rear side.
Therefore, we approached him for an interrogation.”

“What did you find out?” The young master’s eyes faintly shined as he asked.

Fan Seventh faintly shook his head and said, “Second young master, this Mr. is
merely a traveller passing through here.” After saying these words, he turned
towards He Yiming, “Friend, this is the second master of Fan Vastmoon of the
Golden Forest’s Fan family. You still haven’t paid your respects.”

He Yiming was quite amazed inwardly. He astoundedly glanced at the seventh

uncle. This middle-aged man seemed to be covering up for him and had even
pointed out their identity. Although he didn’t know the strength of this Fan family,
this was nevertheless a good will. He’d no connection with this person whatsoever.
As such, what was the reason for this action?

One of the individuals beside Fang Vastmoon suddenly threw a few measuring
glances at He Yiming, then muttered a few words in the former’s ear.

After hearing attendant’s words, Fang Vastmoon’s eyes shined, “Fan Seventh, this
person has actually come from that road. Why didn’t you say so?”

He Yiming then remembered that the attendant beside Fan Vastmoon was actually
one of those riders.

Fan Seventh revealed a trace of a helpless smile, “Second young master, although
this Mr. is coming from that road, he is certainly not a survivor from the Hu
family.”

Fan Vastmoon coldly snorted and said, “Fan Seventh, I don’t need your guidance
to know whether he is a survivor of Hu family or not,” He turned his head towards
He Yiming and said, “You, get down from your horse and answer my questions.”

He Yiming pointed towards himself with a smile that didn’t quite look like a smile,
“You will question me?”

Fan Vastmoon’s face instantly turned cold as he signaled with his head. Two riders
immediately rushed out from behind him.

Although He Yiming had attained the Xiantian realm, his appearance was too
young. These people couldn’t have a clue about his strength. Hungry for scoring
some merit, these two riders were further only possessed cultivations of about the
sixth layer. For dealing with an ordinary youngster, it would have been more than
enough. However, unfortunately they had bumped into a iron wall today.

Throwing a quick glance at Fang Vastmoon’s face, He Yiming suddenly heartily

laughed before kicking his feet and steering Red Silk forward.

The clash between the riders was over within an instant. Those two riders cried out
in surprise before being thrown high in the air. They had not jumped by
themselves, but were blown away as soon as He Yiming’s hands touched them.

Fan Seventh and the rest with him had been silently looking without budging from
their position. However, He Yiming immediately surprised them. Among them,
Fan Seventh jumped forward without the slightest hesitation. As soon as his feet
touched the ground, he shot towards He Yiming like a shell.

He Yiming completely ignored the scene playing behind his body as Red Silk, as if
a red streak, rushed towards Fan Vastmoon.
All the riders behind his body issued loud shouts, and steered their horses forward
almost instinctively.

However, these riders only had the cultivation of about the seventh layer at most.
In He Yiming’s eyes, there was no difference between ants and them. He casually
tossed them aside like rubber balls without even looking back.

Fortunately, He Yiming didn’t decide to kill. Otherwise, there would have been no
path of retreat left for them. However, even though he didn’t kill, these individuals
sustained severe falls on the ground. Without at least a month of repercussion, they
wouldn’t be able to recover.

At this point, Fan Vastmoon’s face paled. He eventually understood that the person
before him was far beyond what he could afford to provoke.

He pulled the reins, wishing to escape. However, Red Silk was like lightning. It
instantly arrived beside him. He Yiming incessantly laughed as he secured the
former’s arm in his iron grip.

Fang Seventh suddenly shouted, “Mr. please show leniency. We had no intentions
to offend you.”

He Yiming waved his hand. Fan Vastmoon rose up in the air like soaring clouds
and rising mist. Subsequently, Red Silk turned into a streak, circumventing the vast
area around the camp, and disappearing into the distance.

Fan Seventh hurried over. By the time Fan Vastmoon fell, he was already kneeling
below. His two raised hands, steadily caught the latter.

This chain of events occurred quicker than anybody’s imagination. The riders
behind Fan Vastmoon only reacted at this moment. They one by one turned
around, looking at the distantly speeding He Yiming with appalled expressions.

Their Internal Energy cultivation was hardly any different than the attendants of
their young master. Since that youngster could easily take care of the latter, there
was no suspense what would have been their outcome.

Several more riders rushed over. Their leader had an appearance that was seventy
percent same as that of Fan Vastmoon, only slightly bigger in age. His eyes
brimmed with mystery. Each and every individual that fell under his vision
trembled inwardly.

Upon arriving, he looked around and said in a lowered voice, “Fan Seventh, what’s
the matter?”
Fan Seventh respectfully stooped down and said, “Big young master, a conflict
broke out between second young master and a passerby. So….”

Big young master’s brows slightly creased and said, “What conflict? Tell me in
detail. Don’t leave anything out.”

Fan Seventh bitterly smiled and recounted everything from the beginning without
adding any flavour from his side. Ultimately, he said, “Big young master, although
that youngster’s age was not big, he was riding a treasured horse. Moreover, this
subordinate simply couldn’t see through his strength at all. This subordinate tried
to prevent second young master as well, but….” He paused for a bit before
continuing, “Fortunately, young master hasn’t suffered any major injuries. It seems
that person was somewhat lenient.”

Big young master’s complexion turned ashamed as he furiously said, “This useless
thing, creating trouble for me all day. If you truly ruin my important affairs, see if I
let you off.”

This moment, Fan Vastmoon had already recovered. His appearance wasn’t
unbridled in any way before his eldest brother. He was evidently quite afraid of his
elder brother.

Big young master glared at him and said, “Vastmoon, how did that person actually
offend you? Why are you so rude and impetuous? You ought to be learning from
Fan Seventh, roaming the country with him. If you still haven’t gained a bit of eye,
you would be better off staying nicely and well-behaved inside the home.”

Fan Vastmoon obediently sounded his agreement, but his expression said a
completely different story.

The big young master turned his horse around and advanced forward. Fan Seventh
and the rest followed closely behind him. Only now did Fan Vastmoon lift his head
and look in the direction He Yiming had left; his eyes brimming with resentment.

Chapter 29.1 - Returning Home

05 Mar 2017

Winter’s bone-chilling rain silently poured down- neither too hard nor too light-
knitting an exquisite veil, which shrouded the distant vision.

“Winter has come.”

“Indeed… another year has passed.”

Before the He manor, two core servants were leisurely sitting in the gatehouse,
watching the rain and sighing incessantly.

Suddenly, sounds of a hurriedly approaching horse entered their ears. Amidst the
rain, a red-colored shadow, splashing the rain water along the way, arrived before
the He manor.

The two guards stood up in astonishment. They had never seen such a mystical
horse. Therefore, although they didn’t know the person who had come, they didn’t
dare be neglectful in the slightest.

After all, a person riding such a horse couldn’t be an ordinary figure. A normal
person simply couldn’t afford such a colt.

The person who had arrived lightly pressed one hand on the horseback and
effortlessly jumped down before the two servants.

Apart from the conical hat for the rain, an exceedingly familiar face appeared
before them.

“Sixth young master, it’s sixth young master…”

The two faintly started, then immediately shouted in pleasantly surprised voices.
One of them immediately rushed forward, whereas the other rushed back into the
manor.

The sixth young master had already been away from the home for several months.
During the family banquet, the Lord Master and the second Lord had brought this
up many times. The servants were already attentive of this. Today, it was almost
new year. Sixth young master’s sudden return was an exceedingly joyous occasion
for the manor.

He Yiming handed over the horse’s reins to the servant and said, “This is a fine
horse. Tell them to take good care of it.”

“Yes.”

The servant’s respectful voice gave He Yiming a familiar and relaxed feeling.

He was eventually back….

Although the treatment he enjoyed in the Fire Crow country’s Xie family was far
above the treatment he enjoyed in his family, this was after all his home.

As soon as he stepped inside the manor, a strong feeling that one would only
experience upon returning home burst out from his insides.
This was his home!

“Sixth brother, sixth brother….”

Along with a delighted voice, a youngster, rather short compared to He Yiming,

rushed out from inside, unconcerned of the rain falling on his head.

“Yi Tao.” He Yiming immediately rushed forward. His speed was far beyond
anybody present here. In a flash, he was before the former. With a chuckle, he took
him in a hug.

“Sixth brother, you’ve returned.”

In a few moments, the entire manor knew the news of his return. Even his eldest
brother and the third brother also made their appearance.

Although the rain was pouring down, the enthusiasm of these people couldn’t be
washed away by it.

The news of He Yiming travelling outside was known to everybody in the manor.
However, those who knew that he’d opted to do so for the sake of breaking
through were only a handful. However, nobody expected him to return after a few
months.

“Everybody in!” A fierce voice sounded from the second entrance. In charge of He
manor’s internal affairs, He Quanyi walked out in big steps. Seeing his strict face,
apart from He Yitian and He Yiming, all the other members of the young
generation assumed silence out of fear.

“So many dripping wet for no reason, really outrageous! All of you, get inside!”

Along with his shout, everybody immediately fled inside like rats that had seen a
cat. He Yitao further pulled a sly face at He Yiming. However, his movements
didn’t slow at all. After all, among all his siblings, he was the one who had eaten
the highest number of bamboo shoot meat slices.

He Yitao exchanged a smile and entered side by side, looking like cranes in a flock
of chickens.

“Sixth brother, did you succeed?” He Yitian mumblingly asked.

He Yiming faintly smiled and said, “Fortunately, I didn’t disgrace my reputation,

eldest brother.”

He Yitian’s immediately paused as he heavily patted He Yiming’s back,

“Good..good..good..”
The three successive ‘good’ words clearly exhibited the state of his current
emotions.

Currently, they had already entered the main hall. He Yitian’s actions immediately
attracted everybody’s attention.

“Eldest brother, why did you say good?” He Yitao puzzledly asked.

He Quanyi’s face however slightly changed. He stepped forward and said, “He
Yiming, you truly succeeded?”

He Yiming touched his hair. He’d not performed this action for a long time.
However, as soon as he returned home, he unwittingly did it again.

“Third uncle, my reputation shouldn’t be that bad, no?”

He Quanyi heartily laughed and habitually raised his palm. Looking at this gesture
which had almost become a custom of the manor, everybody understood the
meaning behind their eldest brother and third uncle’s words.

However, He Quanyi faintly started, suddenly receiving his palm back, “I’m really
stupid. Your strength is already beyond my measuring capability… better to have
eldest brother or father personally come.”

It immediately caused an uproar in the younger generation. They then recalled that
at this year’s beginning, at the time of their eldest brother’s marriage, He Yiming’s
Internal Energy had already attained the ninth layer. If he’d broken through another
layer….

Within an instant, everybody’s eyes somewhat dulled. Even the He Yitao, who was
always bustling with energy, also couldn’t help but purse his lips as he saw his
sixth brother’s expression also changing somewhat.

He Yitian lightly coughed, “Sixth is back, and he’s set an example for us.
Henceforth, we have to strive more to reach sixth’s….” Saying up to here, he
suddenly discovered that he simply couldn’t let the subsequent words out.

With He Yiming’s cultivation speed, how could one strive to reach him? If this
was set to be the standard for measurement, nobody would have the confidence to
continue cultivation.

He Quanyi faintly shook his head and said, “Yiming, father already knows of your
return. Come with me to see father. Yitian, you also come.” His vision swept
around as he said, “As for you all… disperse!”
Following his glare, the few members of the younger generation issued cries of
surprise and escaped like birds, abandoning He Yitian and He Yiming. After all, in
their minds, their third uncle was the most terrifying among all the elders. Even
their grandfather or eldest uncle came nowhere close.

He Yiming laughed inwardly, but at the same time, felt quite emotional as well. If
his strength had not advanced by leaps and bounds, surpassing his third uncle’s, he
would have also been one of the members among them today.

Chapter 29.2
07 Mar 2017

The three individuals advanced towards the great courtyard; He Yitian and He
Quanyi walking closely at either side of He Yiming.

After a few moments, both experienced a strange feeling. The current He Yiming
indeed seemed different, but how? They simply didn’t have a clue.

However, after observing He Yiming during the walk, they were now convinced
that He Yiming had indeed advanced. However, in any possible case, they simply
couldn’t imagine that He Yiming had not actually advanced to the tenth layer, but
Xiantian realm.

As he gently opened the entrance of the great courtyard, his face revealed a trace of
a queer smile.

He already knew that in the courtyard’s main hall, his grandfather was not alone.
His eldest uncle He Quanxin and the old servant He Laibao were also present.

Upon hearing the news of his return, the two had ignored the affairs of Book
Pavilion and arrived here.

“Grandfather, Grandpa Bao, eldest uncle.”

He Yiming performed a bow and brightly said.

“Quickly get up.” He Wude stood up and arrived before He Yiming, helping him
up while carefully measuring him up as well.

As He Yiming saw pale gray hair on his grandfather’s temples, he suddenly felt
sour. The old man had indeed done as much as he could for the clan.

In a few months he’d not seen his grandfather, although the latter had not changed
visibly, the above feeling in his heart had increased to the extreme.
The twinkle in He Wude’s eyes increasingly brightened as his smile increasingly
widened.

Eventually, he excitedly said, “Yiming, did you succeed?”

“Yes, grandfather.” He Yiming firmly said.

He Laibao and He Quanxin exchanged a glance. Their eyes revealed a trace of

their emotionally stirred appearance.

He Wude didn’t lose his cool like He Yitian and only gave a heavy nod while
saying, “He Yiming, you are good… very good.”

He Yiming faintly smiled and suddenly said, “Grandfather, during this time’s trip,
I didn’t progress in just cultivation, but also received other benefits.”

He Wude asked in an interested manner, “What benefits?”

In his mind, as long as He Yiming could smoothly advance, it would be sufficient.

As for the other benefits, he didn’t care about it at all.

He Yiming took out a jade battle and handed it out, “Grandfather, the biggest
benefit I’ve obtained is inside this.”

He Wude accepted it and opened it somewhat skeptically.

However, when he opened the bottle, his nose received an extremely familiar
smell.

He could never forget this smell. His vision quickly shifted to the insides of the
bottle. His complexion immediately transformed as he couldn’t help but cry out,
“Gold core?”

Apart from He Yiming, all four individuals had their faces completely change.

They all knew about the hunting of the spiritual beast and also the gold core. They
further knew that there were only three refined gold cores and apart from the one
that had already been consumed by He Quanxin, the other two were in the hands of
He Wude. This being the case, where did this bottle come from?

He Wude’s complexion further changed, for he’d already seen the number of gold
cores in the bottle.

Five pills; there were actually five pills. Two more than the number of pills they
had been refined from the inner core of the gold-crowned python.
He slowly put the lid back on the bottle. His expression had already turned
exceedingly grave.

“Yiming, where did you find these gold cores?”

He Yiming faintly smiled and said, “My luck is quite good. Following the forest, I
actually crossed the Gold Forest country and arrived in the Fire Crow country….”

He recounted his meeting with the Xie family. Of course, he omitted some details,
especially those pertaining to the Xiantian realm. As for the matter of two long-
armed raccoons, he shifted the responsibility onto the Xie family, saying that the
two sides joined hands to settle the matter.

He didn’t wish to still conceal the truth. However, if he spoke out now, it would
simply offend everybody. This being the case, it would be better for him to wait
another half a year. In any case, everyone seemed to be becoming habitual of his
breakthroughs every six months.

However, although his story was simple, He Wude and the rest were already
alarmed and trembling inwardly.

After a long time, He Wude heaved a sigh and said, “Yiming, your luck is indeed
good. Encountering a noble clan, inner core of two spiritual beasts…hehe..Xie
family surprisingly didn’t swallow everything by themselves. You’ve indeed made
good friends.”

He Yiming chuckled, not retorting at all.

Although he and Xie family could be considered on friendly terms, he knew what
had actually transpired. If he’d not revealed himself to be an extraordinary tenth
layer cultivator with unparalleled strength since the beginning, whether they would
have still treated him fair was hard to tell.

After ascending to the Xiantian realm, Xie family’s bearing naturally turned
increasingly respectful. Even a noble clan like them wouldn’t dare covet a Xiantian
cultivator’s assets.

He Quanxin let out a sigh. Suddenly rubbing his two hands a few times, he said,
“Since He Yiming has broken through, he is also a tenth layer cultivator. Come..
let’s exchange a few moves.”

He Yiming faintly started and said, “Eldest uncle, how could this little nephew
dare fight with you?”

He Laibao chuckled and said, “Yiming, just try your eldest uncle. Previously when
the eldest lord was still at the ninth layer, he came to me almost every day to fight.
However, now that he is unfortunately at the tenth layer, he doesn’t have any
opponent left. These few months, he’d already suffered quite a bit.”

He Yiming couldn’t help but laugh.

In the He family’s second generation, He Quanxin was undoubtedly the most

talented member. At the same time, he was also the most diligent in cultivation.
He’d the highest achievement, which was admittedly a lot because of his talent.
However, it was also because the intensity with which he cultivated was far more
compared to his two brothers.

Before He Yiming, a member of the younger generation, made his name known far
and wide, He Quanxin and Xu Right were reputed to be the two martial lunatics of
Tai Cang county.

He Yiming peeked at his eldest uncle. The latter’s face indeed had a trace of
embarrassed smile.

The latter had indeed no opponent ever since he attained the tenth layer. As much
guts he possessed, he would never try to look for his old man for a duel. However,
he’d no such misgivings as far as the current He Yiming was concerned.

He Wude pondered for a few moments, then actually gave a slight nod. He also
wished to take a look, in the end, how far his most outstanding grand descendant
had reached after leaving home for several months.

The hall was quite spacious. They moved away the tables and chairs and opened up
a small area.

He Yiming and He Quanxin stood at a distance from each other, but their faces
were quite relaxed. This was, after all, a martial duel inside the family. There was
no danger involved.

As He Yitian watched his father and sixth brother before his eyes, his mind seemed
to have returned back to the new year’s skill competition two years ago.

At that time, although he was not as good as He Yiming, he still aspired to chase
after the latter. However, he hadn’t expected that in a mere two years, He Yiming
would completely and thoroughly leave him behind. Even his father, whom he’d
worshiped all his life, only seemed to stand at an equal footing with He Yiming. As
such, after a few years, what extent his accomplishments would be when he’d
matured?

As He Quanxin slowly lifted his hands, the relaxed appearance of his face was
slowly substituted by an exceedingly grave one.
He Yiming’s two legs were erected in the position of character “八” and his two
fists were placed before his chest. This was the basic position of Rolling Boulder
Fist. As soon as it would be initiated, He Yiming could rush towards his opponent
like a huge, rolling boulder and strike.

Although He Quanxin hadn’t learned this metal-type technique, it didn’t mean he

didn’t know its sequence of movements as well.

Moreover, what he cultivated was earth-type techniques.

In the five phases, the earth-type techniques were undoubtedly the strongest in
terms of defense. Even the offensive power of metal-type techniques couldn’t
break earth-type technique’s defense under the same ranks.

However, for some reason, as he saw He Yiming’s movements, a strange thought

suddenly emerged in his mind. The more they would remain in a deadlock, the
more his chances of victory would fade.

This feeling had no reason as its basis, yet was so distinct. Moreover, it was
growing stronger every passing moment.

He bitterly laughed inwardly and ultimately took the initiative to act.

The cultivator of metal-type techniques- ranked number one in terms of offense-

had actually chosen to defend, whereas the cultivator of earth-type techniques-
ranked number one in terms of defense- had chosen to attack.

Apart from He Wude, all the other individuals exchanged glances. All feeling
puzzled and confused.

He Wude, on the other hand, was feeling quite pleased. His Internal Energy was at
the tenth layer’s peak- a notch above He Quanxin’s. As such, this feeling was even
clearer for him. He obviously understood that He Quanxin had not taken the
initiative willingly, but was rather forced into it.

If these two continued to battle in this manner, He Quanxin would quite likely even
lose the confidence to take action.

At this moment, he suddenly thought, ‘Don’t tell me He Yiming’s cultivation……

is truly above He Quanxin?’

“Ha…”

He Quanxin struck out his fist. Although this fist was not quick, it was extremely
steady. His arm was as firm as a mountain.
He Yiming neither backed away nor dodged. The Rolling Boulder Fist was
eventually unleashed.

The two individuals unleashed every bit of knowledge they had learned. The might
in their blows gradually increased. However, under the tacit understanding between
the two, the decorations and objects in the main hall were not destroyed.

He Quanxin’s earth-type fist technique and He Yiming’s Rolling Boulder Fist were
somewhat similar. However, the only difference was that Rolling Boulder Fist was
an ‘always forward’ technique. One fist after another- it was almost completely
offensive. On the other hand, He Quanxin’s traditional technique was undoubtedly
a defensive one. As the two exchanged blows, the sound of fists colliding
continuously sounded. However, in a short while, both seemed evenly matched.
Neither of them had gained an apparent lead.

He Wude faintly nodded, and after a while, eventually said in a lowered voice,
“Stop.”

He Yiming and He Quanxin immediately jumped away from each other. Although
they seemed quite indulged in the battle, none of them dared to ignore Lord
Master’s words and immediately opened a distance between them.

He looked at He Yiming with his heart brimming with joy, “Henceforth, our He
family also has three tenth layer cultivators. In Tai Cang county, the era of our He
family is imminent.”

He kneaded the bottle in his hand as he pondered for a few moments, “One pill will
be for Lai Bao. In addition to this, whoever in the clan can cultivate to the ninth
layer’s peak can have one as well.” His vision shifted to the jade bottle in his hand
as he softly mumbled, “With this thing, perhaps our He family can truly be passed
on for a thousand years.”

Chapter 30.1 - The Incoming Letter

12 Mar 2017

Auspicious snowfall foretold a prosperous upcoming year.

When the new year’s first heavy snow fluttered down from the sky, He manor was
already filled with cries of joys and laughter.

For every person in the manor, the new year held a different significance. The
youth, with the addition of another year, matured. The old turned even older.
However, the two old men in the He manor were nevertheless quite delighted.
Their younger generation had already matured enough to replace them.
Their days of shielding the He manor from wind and rain had gradually come to an
end.

And this was perhaps the most cherished wish of all the old men!

“New Year’s Skill Competition, officially begins….” Following the vigorous

words of the third uncle He Quanyi, the training ground echoed with an ardent
applause.

The difference compared to the previous years was that among the younger
generation, only one member had attained the sixth layer.

He Yiling- third uncle He Quanyi’s eldest daughter. This year she had turned
twenty and could be considered as the female expert of the third generation. In
ordinary peasant households, the females had already married before this age.
However, for cultivators, twenty years was not considered old at all. Instead, it was
considered as the beginning of the magnificent youth.

Therefore, when He Yiling ascended the stage, she received the loudest of the
reception. Her opponent was He Yihai. Confronting his younger sister’s offense,
he could only bitterly smile and drag the fight around before issuing a sudden,
lucky winning strike. Seeing this, the elders of the family were all beaming with
smiles.

Subsequently, He Yixuan and He Yitian appeared on the stage. Their skill seemed
to have become increasingly polished.

Under the provocation from a freak like He Yiming, they all had raised the goals
they had set for themselves, which, in turn, had increased the combined battle
strength of the third generation to a new level.

Although none of them had broken through their respective bottlenecks during the
year, their progress had already pleased their elders.

As for He Yiming, when he stood up, all the members on the stage dispersed like a
flock of birds. Nobody would willingly disgrace themselves.

With He Yiming’s strength, not mention the younger generation, even if the entire
manor swarmed him, he wouldn’t have too much trouble.

Seeing this, He Wude and the rest could only bitterly smile and shake their heads.
However, inwardly, they were quite pleased.

If the future generation would also be like this, the foundation of He manor would
be steadfast for several decades.
During the Skill Competition, He Yitian and Cheng Yanli, husband and wife, sat
separately from the elders. They could be considered to have settled down as a
couple, living in their independent residence.

Within one year they have married, even if they were not too affectionate with
each other, at the very least, they exhibited the mutual respect between husband
and wife. Their conduct was quite appropriate during the event.

However, He Yiming indistinctly felt that as a married couple, they were too
courteous to each other.

Perhaps only after a certain amount of time would they truly accept each other as
partners.

However, it was not all perfect.

The only matter they were to be condemned about somewhat was that after one full
year of their marriage, the He family had yet to see the appearance of the fourth
generation.

Although He Wude and the other elders didn’t speak about it openly, from their
behavior, certain clues were apparent. However, these old men were quite good at
deception. They didn’t let He Yitian and Cheng Yanli to pick up on these clues.

After the Skill Competition, everybody dined together and went their separate
ways.

However, in the great courtyard, He Wude, the second generation’s three members,
He Yiming, and He Yitian were gathered together.

The topic of their discussion was precisely the development plan for the new year.

Previously, among the third generation, even He Yitian had never participated in
this discussion. However, today, He Wude had specifically called He Yitian and
He Yiming to attend the discussion. His intentions were evident.

The children of the third generation had officially begun to participate in the affairs
of the manor.

Around a round table, He Yitian and He Yiming were responsible to fill their
elders’ teacups while listening and offering their assertions at the same time.

He Quanming placed the account book on the table and said, “Father, this year’s
profit is quite good. Accounting the expenses and sales of the shops, we’ve
altogether summed up a profit of two thousand silver taels.”
He Quanyi also tossed out an account book and said, “A lot of the land around the
manor has already been cleared out. The revenue from the grains is also quite
good. Adding the hunts from the forest and the sales of mountainous local
specialities in the city, the harvest is plentiful,” He paused for a bit before
continuing, “However, there are hundreds of mouths to feed in the manor. Adding
in their monthly salaries, special rewards and so on….the profit is not as much as it
seems. Adding in the new constructions, repair, and assembling the materials for
the future castle, it’s a huge expense- in total an expenditure of five thousand silver
taels.”

He Yitian and He Yiming exchanged a glance. It turned out that even after
everybody in the manor painstakingly worked, they were unable to cover their
expenditure.

He Wude faintly nodded. His face didn’t have a shred of expression, as if already
expecting such an outcome.

“Second, how is the business with Yuan family?” The old man calmly asked.

He Quanming’s face immediately revealed a full smile, “Father, this year, our
business partnership with Yuan family has gone extremely smooth. All the
products have been sold without a hitch, fetching a profit of a thousand gold taels.”

He Yitian and He Yiming gaped, almost not daring to believe their ears.

Although gold and silver were both expensive metals, the difference in their values
was quite significant. In the Northwest, two taels of gold could easily be
exchanged for ten taels of silver.

Two thousand gold taels meant ten thousand taels of silver. In comparison, the
manor’s five thousand taels deficit didn’t even seem worth mentioning.

He Wude smiled in satisfaction before suddenly saying, “Yitian, Yiming, do you

understand now? Although we’ve shops in the city, due to constant expansion of
the manor, even after all these years, we’re still not able to cover this debt. To
continue the expansion of the manor and save for the clan as well, business with
Yuan family is our true lifeline.”

He Yitian thought for a bit before saying, “Grandfather, this Yuan family you
speak of, is it the same as Yuan family of the Gold Forest country?”

“Correct, the Yuan family of Gold Forest country,” He Wude faintly nodded and
said, “Although their strength in the Gold Forest country is not too big, they have
vast connections. Moreover, the current family head of Yuan family, Yuan Zeyo, is
my companion from back in the day who ventured the world outside with me.
They are definitely the best partners for our He family.”

He Yiming eyed everybody around and asked, “What’s our business with the Yuan
family that involves such a profit?”

He Quanming hesitated a bit, then said, “Smuggling.”

Chapter 30.2
12 Mar 2017

“Smuggling?” He Yiming astoundedly asked, “Our family still needs to rely on

smuggling to survive?”

“Of course,” He Quanming said in a lowered voice, “Actually, every big clan is
secretly involved in one illegal activity or another. We’re only involved in
smuggling, which is the cleanest one of all.”

He Yiming bitterly laughed, not expecting to hear smuggling being just and
expected from his father’s mouth.

He Wude lightly coughed and said, “Yiming, if in the future, our He manor can be
as built as the Xu castle, the debt every year can be overlooked.”

He Yiming made a sound of agreement. He inwardly said, ‘Xu castle’s background

of hundreds of years was indeed too far above the current He manor.’

He Quanyi lightly patted the table and said, “Yiming, actually Xu and Cheng
family are also the same as our family. They are also secretly involved in shady
businesses. It’s just that their current reach is too far and wide. However, a few
hundred years ago, when they had barely started to develop, they were much
crazier than us. If this was not the case, where do you think they managed to get
such big family properties?”

He Yiming thought for a bit, then slightly nodded. His ittle bit of hesitation had
completely dissipated.

“All right,” He Wude waved his huge hand and said, “Enough of this. What about
Yiling?” As soon as these words sounded, everybody’s brows creased.

Although Yiling was a cultivator in speaking, her cultivation talent was not too
good. She’d taken two years to make the breakthrough pertaining to the sixth layer.
Hereby, one could say that her future accomplishments would be quite limited.
Moreover, cultivation was more challenging for females in comparison to males.
As such, the possibility of another breakthrough was quite low for her.

Under such circumstances, female cultivators usually gave up on cultivation and

thought about marrying into influential families.

The elders of the He manor had been the most worried about this issue recently.

Both Xu family and Cheng family had raised marriage proposals for He Yiling.

If it had been happening before, He Yiming certainly would have sneered at this
issue. However, his trip outside had made him understand many things.

To establish one’s clan firmly in a certain region, moreover to pass it on for a

thousand years, was in no way easy.

Even though He family was exceedingly strong currently, they couldn’t possibly
stand against the whole county. Otherwise, when He family’s power would wane
in the future, the counterattack they would suffer could easily destroy the He
family in its entirety.

Xu family and Cheng family could be considered as the two oldest influential
families in the Tai Cang county. Previously, there had been several families
standing alongside them. Several among them had their share of glory in the
history of Tai Cang county. However, after a hundred years, these families had
already waned, and some among them had even completely lost their roots.

Only Cheng and Xu, these two families had silently developed on, spreading their
roots deep into the Tai Cang county.

This affair was similar to that of the four big, influential families of Fire Crow
country. Regardless of the place, regardless of the clan, if one wished to pass on
one’s family milleniums without fail, he wouldn’t be able to accomplish this feat
on the power of his own family alone.

More swift the rise, the more swift the fall.

Only by stretching branches and scattering leaves, continuously enriching one’s

connections, developing good relationships with nearby powers…and so on..could
one plant one’s roots deep into the ground.

When the clan flourishes, seize all the power and gather all the powers under one
banner.
Likewise when clan declines, retreat to one’s roots and adhere to the powerful. In
other words, as long as one’s blood vessels are innumerable, one would have a
chance of nirvana and be reborn from ashes.

Before the third generation had matured, although He family was still reputed to be
one of the three influential families, their foundation and connection lacked too far
behind that of the other two. If their strength hadn’t been too high, they wouldn’t
have even this qualification.

However, as He family’s third generation slowly made their appearance and

exhibited outstanding development, the family eventually gained the approval of
the other two.

After the marriage with the Cheng family, the two families had again dropped the
olive branch.(Tl: symbol of peace)

Seeing everybody preserving silence, He Wude involuntarily let out a sigh and
said, “Quanyi, you’re her father. You tell, Xu or Cheng, which one do you
choose?”

Old man’s words immediately set a tone. He Yiling’s future husband could only be
chosen from these two families.

He Quanyi bitterly laughed and said, “Father, it would be better if you decide this
matter.”

He Wude was about to speak when he suddenly closed his mouth and his vision
shifted to outside. After a few moments, everybody heard a sound of hurriedly
approaching footsteps.

They exchanged a few skeptical glances. To be disturbed at such a time, could it be

that something big has happened?

He Quanyi immediately stood and walked outside in large strides.

After a few moments, he entered back with a grave complexion, “Father, it’s from
Gold Forest’s Yuan family.”

He Wude stared blankly, “Why would Yuan family come at this time? They
wouldn’t be sending us some present this year, would they?”

He Quanyi bitterly smiled and said, “I am also not too clear. You should see for
yourself.”

He flipped his wrist and presented a black, leather letter. After seeing this letter,
everybody’s heart slightly sank.
Using such an envelope on the eve of new year wasn’t an auspicious sign. Hereby,
it was evident that Yuan family had certainly encountered some big trouble.

He Wude’s face also turned grave. Yuan family was their partner in smuggling. If
Yuan family took a hit, He family would also suffer significant losses. After all,
looking for a clan with low strength yet vast connections was not easy.

Moreover, after going through a partnership of many years, they had also formed
mutual understanding. At the very least, He Quanming wouldn’t be willing to
easily change partners.

He Wude picked up the envelope and opened the letter.

“Father, what happened?” He Quanming took the initiative to ask.

He Wude thought for a bit, “Gold Forest country’s Yuan family has encountered a
big trouble,” He lightly sighed, “In Gold Forest’s Zheng Tong county, a new
influential family has suddenly emerged. This family’s conduct is vicious and
merciless. Regarding those who are hostile, they always kill until the end, leaving
no means of survival. They seem to have taken a fancy to the connections in the
hands of Yuan family and intend to substitute in their stead. Hehe…..so the Yuan
family has requested our help and promised that if we could help them cross this
obstacle, they will give ten thousand taels of gold and in the future transactions,
they will give another ten percent of the profits.”

Although he’d spoken these words quite flatly, He Quanxin and the others were
already palpitating.

Not to mention the ten thousand gold taels, merely ten percent more profits by
itself made a gigantic figure. Moreover, it was also permanent. For the He family,
who aspired to continue their development in the Tai Cang county, this money was
indeed too significant.

“A suddenly-emerged new influential family? What’s their martial strength?” He

Quanxin asked in a lowered voice.

He Yitian and He Yiming exchanged a glance. They already knew He Quanxin’s

intentions.

Although the eldest uncle’s cultivation was second only to the Lord Master in the
family, he’d spent all his life focused on his martial skill. He’d not been involved
in the affairs related to business in any way.

Currently, even he’d attached such an importance to this matter; his intentions
were only too evident.
He Wude lightly laughed and said, “A peak, tenth layer family head is indeed not
bad. If they truly shed all pretense of cordiality, Yuan family might not be the one
to come out on top.”

Everybody nodded in succession. For the current He family, a peak, tenth layer
expert didn’t amount to anything. However, for an abruptly-risen clan, a tenth layer
expert was an extremely precious and irreplaceable source of martial strength.

As long as one had seen He Wude single-handedly establishing the He manor or

even the Fire Crow country’s Xie family merely having two tenth layer experts,
this fact was evident.

Accomplishing this feat when one still had some vigor left was extremely rare.
One wouldn’t find a single such case in ten thousands.

He Quanxin stood up and said, “This matter….. let me go handle it.”

He Quanming and He Quanyi both faintly nodded. Since the counterpart was a
tenth layer expert, only an expert of the same rank would be able to assist the Yuan
family.

After all, He Wude had already crossed his eighties. In comparison, sending out He
Quanxin naturally felt much more appropriate.

He Wude pondered for a bit, then said, “Quanxin, go and take Yiming and Yitian
along this time. Let them participate and gain some experience.”

He Quanxin faintly nodded and said, “Good, with He Yiming coming as well, it
would be absolutely safe.”

Everybody nodded. In their minds, He Yiming and He Quanxin were both tenth
layer experts while the counterpart had only one. Therefore, everybody was quite
confident. If the latter had also two, or perhaps more, they definitely wouldn’t have
thought as such.

With a light sigh and bitter face, He Yiming said, “I’ve just come back, why do I
have to go again?”

Everybody smiled, and He Quanxin’s face sank as he said, “Yiming, don’t play.
This time’s affair is too important. If you can’t defend the Yuan family, don’t think
you would get a penny from my place next year.”

He Yiming immediately restrained his gloomy expression and said, “Father, don’t
worry. Eldest uncle and I will definitely settle this affair smoothly. There won’t be
any slip-ups at all.”
He Quanxin thought for a bit, then suddenly said, “Father, if Yuan family is unable
to hold out and collapse before we arrive there, what should we do?”

He Wude faintly started, then eventually said, “If Yuan family exists, don’t spare
any effort to assist them. If they have already collapsed, think of continuing our
cooperation with other clans. In short, our road to Gold Forest country must not be
cut. However, there is one thing you must keep in mind. Do your utmost to
preserve the direct descendants of the Yuan family. Don’t let their clan exterminate
completely no matter what.”

He Quanxin respectfully sounded his agreement.

He Yiming’s thoughts suddenly stirred before he asked, “Grandfather, which one is

that newly-emerged family?”

He Wude shifted his vision to the letter in his hand before saying, “Gold Forest’s
Fan family.”

“Fan family?” He Yiming immediately recalled that the group he’d encountered
also seemed to include people surnamed Fan. He suddenly felt queer inwardly, ‘It
couldn’t be this coincident, could it?”