Chapter 235: New Supreme Elder

All Novels || Martial God
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Upon arriving, Zhan Tianfeng, dressed in a wide-sleeved long robe, immediately sensed the extremely bizarre atmosphere in the place.

His gaze swept over everyone and immediately focused on Yuan Lixun.

Like Yu Jinglei and Zhuo Wanlian, upon sensing the powerful cold-element True Qi emanating from Yuan Lixun, anyone who had known Yuan Lixun before would feel incredulous.

He Yiming was able to advance to the Hundred Scattered Heavens Realm at the age of fifteen and break through to the Single-Line Sky Realm at seventeen.

This was already recognized by all as the fastest advancement speed in history.

Even the ancient sages recorded in books, or the powerful figures who entered the Dao of Spirit only in legends, had never achieved such an exaggerated feat.

However, what appeared before Zhan Tianfeng's eyes at this moment seemed to be a genius even more incredible than He Yiming.

Five months ago, Yuan Lixun was still a weak girl who had been whipped by Prince Bu Xingcong of Tufan Kingdom, without any power to retaliate.

But, five months later...

Feeling that powerful cold energy, even more terrifying than Mu Jintian's, Zhan Tianfeng took a deep breath and asked, "Brother He, may I ask, this young lady is...?"

He Yiming laughed dumbfounded, "Brother Zhan is joking, don't you recognize Lixun after a few months?"

Yuan Lixun also stepped forward, bowing deeply, "Lixun thanks Senior for the grace of the medicine."

During her recovery period, Zhan Tianfeng, as a Single-Line Sky Realm expert, personally visited her residence and gifted precious wound medicine. Although everyone knew Zhan Tianfeng did this out of respect for He Yiming, it still made Yuan Lixun quite grateful.

Zhan Tianfeng's throat twitched. Although he was unwilling to admit it in his heart, his reason told him that the young woman exuding the aura of a strong expert in front of him was indeed the person from his memory.

However, looking at Yuan Lixun now, the impression of the young woman who always hid behind He Yiming in his memory gradually became blurred.

He smiled bitterly to himself, having to re-evaluate He Yiming and the others.

His gaze shifted to He Yiming, and he chuckled, "Brother He, what have you gained from your travels to various famous mountains this time?"

His face was all smiles, but his heart was uneasy.

Sima Yin disappeared without a trace after making his promise. Before today, Zhan Tianfeng had never worried that this guy would accidentally fail.

Others didn't know who Sima Yin truly was, but he knew perfectly well.

This was a top assassin, even in the distant, powerful, and mysterious Great Shen Empire of the East, he was a formidable assassin not to be overlooked.

At least ten Innate experts had died by his hands.

Fifty years ago, for unknown reasons, Sima Yin was pursued by a powerful force in the Great Shen Empire. Even with his strength, he had to flee the Great Shen and came to the distant Northwest Countries.

At that time, he was already severely injured, and he happened to encounter Zhan Tianfeng passing by and received his help.

It was because of this relationship that Sima Yin had hidden himself within Kairong Country for a full fifty years, and during this time, he had even made a breakthrough, advancing to the Single-Line Sky Realm.

A Single-Line Sky Realm assassin was a pure killing machine, having completely abandoned personal reputation.

Zhan Tianfeng had always thought that Sima Yin must have killed He Yiming, repaid his favor, and then left far away.

But he never expected that the one who appeared before him this time was not Sima Yin, but He Yiming, whom he thought should have died in the mountains long ago, and the woman beside He Yiming had strangely become an Innate expert.

Such changes, even for someone as gloomy as him, felt like an experience from another world.

A chill inexplicably ran through his heart. Since He Yiming and Yuan Lixun had returned safely, what about Sima Yin? What was his fate?

He Yiming clasped his hands and bowed, smiling, "Brother Zhan, this younger brother's journey through the mountains this time has indeed brought great gains. Especially meeting a reclusive cultivator in the mountains and becoming good friends."

He pointed to One Hundred and Eight, who was wearing a large straw hat behind him, and said, "This is my close friend, One Hundred and Eight."

Zhan Tianfeng was secretly surprised. To be so highly regarded by He Yiming, he must be an expert of the same rank. So he subconsciously said, "Mr. Bai, I've long heard of your great name."

He spoke politely, but his mind was racing, trying to recall anyone who had mentioned this strange name, but he couldn't think of anyone.

Yu Jinglei and Zhuo Wanlian exchanged bitter smiles. If Zhan Tianfeng had seen this person's earlier actions, he would certainly not be so composed now.

Yu Jinglei bowed deeply to One Hundred and Eight, "Senior, my disciple Yiming has been greatly taken care of and guided by you. This junior thanks you here."

Zhan Tianfeng's eyes suddenly narrowed. He looked at Yu Jinglei in shock. This Single-Line Sky Realm expert actually called this person Senior?

"Brother Yu, do you know this... Senior Bai?" Zhan Tianfeng asked with difficulty.

Yu Jinglei solemnly shook his head and said, "This is the first time Yu has met Senior Bai."

Zhuo Wanlian knew Zhan Tianfeng's confusion, and he smiled wryly, "Brother Zhan, Senior Bai's cultivation has reached the Three Flowers Realm, far beyond what we can contend with."

Zhan Tianfeng gasped, and at this point, he was truly shocked, his gaze towards One Hundred and Eight changing dramatically.

"So it is Senior Bai gracing us with his presence. Kairong Country is honored beyond measure." He bowed deeply and said, "This junior's rudeness, please forgive me, senior."

One Hundred and Eight stood in silence, completely ignoring them, as if he hadn't heard their words at all.

But even so, Yu Jinglei and the others showed no sign of taking offense. A senior expert who could reach the Three Flowers Realm, their thoughts were naturally beyond their comprehension.

Everyone's gaze simultaneously shifted to He Yiming, all sighing inwardly. This kid's luck was simply too good! To be able to become friends with such a powerful expert was truly incredible and enviable. Finally, their eyes subtly swept over Yuan Lixun, who had already retracted her cold-element True Qi.

This young lady's astonishing progress must be inextricably linked to One Hundred and Eight.

He Yiming was even more suspicious. Only he knew that although One Hundred and Eight's age could certainly be called senior, he was definitely not some Three Flowers Realm expert.

Seeing the somewhat awkward atmosphere, he laughed heartily and said, "Everyone, Brother Bai has a rather peculiar personality. He lives alone in the mountains and doesn't like to meet outsiders, so he doesn't understand worldly etiquette. Please forgive him."

Zhan Tianfeng smiled wryly, "Brother He, what are you saying? Senior Bai being able to grace Kairong Country with his presence is already a pleasant surprise for us."

He Yiming knew very well that these words were not sincere, but of course he wouldn't expose it. Instead, he smiled faintly, turned his head and said, "Brother Zhuo, I once promised Master Mu Jintian to help his grandson break through to the Innate Realm. I originally planned to stay here for a year, but now we want to return home. Please inform Master Mu Jintian to have his grandson come to He Family Village in Taicang County."

Zhuo Wanlian quickly cupped his hands and said, "Brother He, Junior Brother Mu's grandson has already arrived here. It just depends on when Brother He has time to help him." He paused, then added, "Of course, if Brother He feels it's inconvenient now, we are very willing to accompany Brother He to He Family Village."

As he spoke, he glanced towards One Hundred and Eight. If this person hadn't been present, he wouldn't have been so accommodating.

He Yiming was greatly surprised and said, "Brother Zhuo, Master Mu's grandson has arrived so quickly?"

Zhuo Wanlian smiled wryly, "Actually, we arrived here three months ago and have been waiting for Brother He's return."

He Yiming was slightly startled, and his gaze became somewhat strange.

They had been in the mountains for less than five months, and Zhuo Wanlian had returned within a mere three months. Didn't that mean he only took one month to travel back and forth from Kairong Country to Tufan Kingdom?

For Mu Jintian's grandson, Zhuo Wanlian's strenuous journey seemed a bit too strange.

He looked up and happened to see Yu Jinglei giving him a meaningful look. He immediately made a decision and said, "Everyone, we have come from afar and are very tired. If possible, we would like to rest for Yitian. How about we discuss everything tomorrow?"

This was Kairong Country's territory, but at this moment, no one obstructed He Yiming's suggestion, which was made as if he were the host.

Even the anxious Zhuo Wanlian and the worried Zhan Tianfeng smiled and nodded in full agreement. Their gazes occasionally swept over One Hundred and Eight, their apprehension clearly revealed.

※※※※

That night, He Yiming went alone to Yu Jinglei's room, where the old man had already been waiting for a long time.

Upon meeting, He Yiming was the first to ask, "Martial Uncle Yu, how are my grandfather and Eldest Uncle doing at Hengshan Mountain?"

Yu Jinglei said with a smile, "Don't worry, they are both doing well at Hengshan Mountain. I've instructed that one of the three elders will always follow your Eldest Uncle, supervising and guiding his cultivation, ensuring he reaches Innate within two years. Moreover, their treatment at Hengshan Mountain is comparable to that of an elder, so you don't need to worry at all."

He Yiming nodded with satisfaction and said, "Thank you, Martial Uncle, for your kindness."

Yu Jinglei waved his hand and said, "We're all family, why be so polite?"

He Yiming smiled slightly and said nothing. He could clearly feel that in this meeting, especially after One Hundred and Eight instantly repelled the two Single-Line Sky Realm experts, Yu Jinglei's attitude towards him had greatly changed.

Previously, Yu Jinglei had highly regarded He Yiming, but his attitude towards him was that of an elder's concern for an outstanding junior. But at this moment, he was speaking to He Yiming as a complete equal.

After some thought, Yu Jinglei said, "Elder He, you have now advanced to the Single-Line Sky Realm. According to the sect's rules, you are no longer an elder."

He Yiming said in surprise, "Not an elder?"

"Yes, a Single-Line Sky Realm expert is incredibly important to a sect. From now on, you will be our Hengshan Mountain lineage's Supreme Elder."

Yu Jinglei's expression was extremely solemn as he spoke these words, and a faint red flush appeared on his face, indicating his excitement.

He Yiming pondered for a moment, then said, "Since it is Martial Uncle Yu's wish, then this junior will certainly obey."

Yu Jinglei nodded repeatedly and chuckled, "Junior Brother He, from now on, you'll have to change your address."

He Yiming slightly opened his mouth, immediately understood his meaning, and smiled wryly, "This junior greets Senior Brother Yu."

In such reclusive sects, one's status is closely related to one's strength. After He Yiming advanced to the Hundred Scattered Heavens Realm, he immediately became one of the four elders of the sect. And when his strength continued to improve, becoming a Single-Line Sky Realm expert of the same rank as Yu Jinglei, his status also received a corresponding elevation.

The stronger the sect, the more realistic it is, and this is also the way for strong sects to survive. If they cannot give outstanding disciples corresponding status and treatment, they would have probably betrayed their masters long ago and would not remain in the sect.

Yu Jinglei smiled contentedly. When He Yiming agreed, the worry in his heart finally dissipated.

"Junior Brother, when you meet Pharmacist Nephew and the others in the future, you must guide them more. If possible, the more Single-Line Sky Realm experts our Hengshan Mountain lineage has, the better."

He Yiming smiled wryly and said, "Senior Brother, you're joking."

Although he himself had advanced to the Single-Line Sky Realm, to say that he could guide others was truly beyond his power, as his advancement process was completely unreplicable.

Yu Jinglei chuckled, "Junior Brother is too modest. How long has your concubine been by your side, and she has already broken through to the Innate Realm? Your efforts must be in there."

He Yiming shook his head slightly, "Luck, luck..."

Yu Jinglei said seriously, "Luck is actually a part of strength, and the most important part. Without luck, let alone the Single-Line Sky Realm, even reaching the Innate Realm would be incredibly difficult."

He Yiming nodded in deep agreement. If he hadn't met One Hundred and Eight this time, who knew how much time it would have taken Yuan Lixun to advance to Innate.

Yu Jinglei's gaze suddenly glanced in a certain direction, then he lowered his voice and said, "Junior Brother, which sect does Senior Bai, whom you met this time, come from?"

He Yiming looked at Yu Jinglei's extremely serious expression, his mouth twitching slightly. He forcibly suppressed the urge to burst into laughter and said, "Senior Brother, Brother Bai has no sect or faction; he is a solitary cultivator."

A strange expression flashed across Yu Jinglei's face, as if he was talking to himself, "To cultivate alone and reach the Three Flowers Gather at the Summit realm, that's truly incredible." He paused, then added heavily, "Unbelievable."

He Yiming's heart stirred, and he asked, "Senior Brother, what is Three Flowers Gather at the Summit?"

Yu Jinglei pondered for a long time, then said, "Originally, I planned to tell you this in twenty years, but I never expected you to successfully advance to the Single-Line Sky Realm in just over a year. Since that's the case, I don't need to hide it anymore." He said solemnly, "Among Innate experts, the Hundred Scattered Heavens Realm is merely a glimpse of the path. Only after advancing to the Single-Line Sky Realm can one truly be considered capable of communicating with Heaven and Earth Qi."

He Yiming gently responded. Although there was only one rank difference between Single-Line Sky Realm and Hundred Scattered Heavens Realm, the communication with Heaven and Earth Qi was truly two completely different realms. The vast difference could only be appreciated after experiencing it firsthand.

"When an Innate expert advances to the Single-Line Sky Realm, he truly begins to interact with Heaven and Earth Qi, and can absorb a large amount of Innate Qi to form his own cycle within his body. When this process accumulates to a certain extent, there is a certain chance to break through again and condense his own Three Flowers True Qi." Yu Jinglei took a deep breath as he spoke, then opened his mouth and gently exhaled.

He Yiming's expression immediately became extremely intriguing.

Yu Jinglei's breath, surprisingly, seemed to be a tangible substance. It didn't dissipate immediately but began to condense in the air.

The breath rose into mid-air and, under his control, divided into two sides, each forming a dazzlingly beautiful flower in the void.

He Yiming, seeing this sight for the first time, widened his eyes. He hesitated, then tentatively reached out and gently touched one of the flowers.

Then, his expression changed again. Because his touch told him that this was not an illusion, but a real, solid-like flower, and within this flower lay a powerful might that even made him feel a chill.

Yu Jinglei let out a long sigh, and the flowers in the void immediately vanished.

His face turned a little pale, clearly indicating that creating the two seemingly tangible flowers just now had consumed an unimaginable amount of True Qi.

"Senior Brother, is this Three Flowers Gather at the Summit?"

"Exactly, but my strength is insufficient, I can only condense two flowers." Yu Jinglei sighed, "In fact, as long as one can advance to the Single-Line Sky Realm, taking a single line as a foundation, almost everyone can condense two flowers after arduous and prolonged cultivation. But two flowers are like rootless duckweeds, fleeting in an instant. Only by breaking through again and condensing a third True Qi flower can one achieve a three-legged stance, as stable as Mount Tai."

He Yiming's eyes sparkled with bright light, and even his breathing quickened slightly.

After advancing to the Single-Line Sky Realm, his heart seemed to have lost its goal for striving, but now he knew that he would embark on the path of continued martial arts advancement again.

Yu Jinglei's face suddenly darkened. "Junior Brother, I heard you promised Mu Jintian's grandson that you would help him with Meridian protection when he advances to the Innate Realm?"

"Yes." He Yiming looked up, not understanding why he was asking about this.

"Alas, Junior Brother, actually, you shouldn't have agreed." Yu Jinglei said with a wry smile.

"Why?" He Yiming asked in surprise. Then he saw Yu Jinglei's hesitant expression and couldn't help but feel a stirring in his heart, "Senior Brother, is it related to Three Flowers Gather at the Summit?"

All Novels || Martial God

Chapter 236: The Saying of Three Flowers