The sun was a blazing crimson disc, set amidst clouds woven from layers of red leaves, the azure sky neatly sliced by branches into ribbons that coiled around the sun and its fiery canopy.

In the midst of this captivating scene, He Yiming’s figure streaked across the open ground, swiftly entering the grounds of the Yuan Family Estate.

Though it was broad daylight, He Yiming’s speed was so incredible that even if someone had witnessed him, they would only see a blur, utterly unaware that a person had just passed right under their nose.

This was due to a brand-new movement technique He Yiming had conceived atop the mountain after achieving sudden enlightenment, combining the Cloud Rain Seal, the innate lightness skill of the two Xiao family brothers, and the very essence of the fine mist and clouds in nature.

He Yiming named it the Cloud Rain Soaring Art. Although this was the first formal technique he had created, its sheer power far surpassed that of the Xiao brothers’ innate skill.

However, this was primarily because the brothers were, after all, only masters of the Houtian (Post-Heaven) Realm, thus unable to truly command that innate lightness skill. If a true Xiantian (Pre-Heaven) master had grasped their lightness skill and cultivated it to its peak, then determining which technique was superior would depend entirely on individual cultivation levels.

Yet, in the absence of a Xiantian master, when He Yiming unleashed this technique, he immediately became as elusive as a ghost or phantom, his passing leaving no trace of his movement.

Upon returning to his room, He Yiming’s emotions surged and receded like a tide. If he were still on the mountain peak, he would surely have let out another long cry to vent the excitement currently coursing through him.

Cultivation in the Xiantian Realm felt entirely different from that in the Houtian Realm.

In Houtian, internal energy was cultivated step-by-step; even with He Yiming’s phenomenal talent and physique, it still required about half a year to push any single stage to its peak.

But the Xiantian Realm was markedly different.

That moment of sudden realization atop the peak this morning was not just about grasping a movement technique; his innate Xiantian True Qi within his body had also reached an astonishing level of abundance.

It seemed that during the process of enlightenment, his body had ascended to a new echelon, capable of holding several times the amount of Xiantian True Qi it held previously.

At this moment, his Xiantian True Qi was at least more than double what it had been yesterday—a development that naturally sent him into raptures of joy.

His eyes swept across the room and he immediately knew someone had visited. However, the person hadn't moved anything, merely entering and leaving at once, not even touching the great broadsword he had left nestled in his bedding.

His brow furrowed slightly, but it smoothed out almost instantly. The only people who could enter without his permission were likely his paternal uncle and his elder brother. As for the servants of the Yuan family, they likely wouldn't possess such audacity.

A thought flashed through his mind, and a faint smile touched He Yiming’s lips. Although his clothes had dried under the baking warmth of his True Qi, they were wrinkled. He changed into an entirely fresh set and placed the soiled garments into a basket, setting the basket by the window.

This was also the custom of the Yuan family: once clothes needing washing were placed there, dedicated servants would collect them without bothering the guests at all.

Clearly, Yuan Chengzhi and the others had gone to great lengths to ensure the comfort of their guests staying at the Yuan Estate.

He Yiming left his room, paused briefly in the courtyard, and immediately arrived outside his elder brother's door.

His ears twitched slightly, and he instantly picked up the incredibly long and steady sound of breathing emanating from within.

In He Yiming’s perception, this sound of breathing gradually evoked a feeling as if he were standing in a vast, boundless plain.

He inwardly praised his brother, knowing this indicated that He Yitian was diligently cultivating his internal energy, which was why his breathing had become so long and forceful. Furthermore, through his Xiantian-level perception, he could discern that He Yitian’s training in the Earth element cultivation method was progressing splendidly, having grasped its essence deeply.

This also aligned with his innate disposition, which perfectly suited the Earth element methods. He estimated that in a few more years, even without an Elixir of Vitality, He Yitian could smoothly reach the peak level of the Seventh Layer. As for when he could break through the Seventh Layer to advance to the Eighth Layer of internal energy, no one could make a guarantee.

After listening outside the door for a long while, only when the breathing abruptly grew thinner and more rapid did He Yiming lightly knock.

He knew his brother had concluded his practice just by the sound of his breathing.

This was not the He family’s main residence, after all, making extended cultivation sessions impractical here.

He Yitian, having just ended his session, was surprised by the knock. Rising to open the door, a flicker of joy crossed his face, followed by a slight reproof: "Sixth Brother, where were you last night? Were you tracking that masked man?"

He Yiming rubbed the back of his head with an embarrassed look, chuckled twice, and then walked into the room.

Shaking his head slightly, He Yitian looked at his somewhat roguish smile, feeling a touch of helplessness. But then he froze, studying He Yiming up and down with a strange look.

He Yiming paused, asking, "Elder Brother, what is it?"

He Yitian frowned. "It is truly strange. Something seems to have happened to you; there’s a change compared to yesterday."

He Yiming felt a jolt of surprise internally. His mood had fluctuated greatly yesterday, and he had achieved enlightenment by observing clouds and rain this morning. While his outward appearance hadn't changed much, his spirit and bearing had indeed shifted, and his Xiantian True Qi had nearly doubled in strength.

Still, his Elder Brother's perceptive abilities were too acute; how could he notice this?

He laughed heartily, "Elder Brother, you worry too much. I am still me. Am I not myself?"

He Yitian was momentarily confused by his response, then realized, but that strange feeling had completely vanished. He simply laughed and chided, "You little rogue, babbling nonsense again." His expression then sobered slightly. "That person yesterday was a master of the Tenth Layer of internal energy, and a Fire element cultivator too. You dared to sneak in and track him; you are far too bold. When we return, I must report this to Grandpa and the others."

He Yiming could only offer a wry smile and quickly clasped his hands in apology. "Elder Brother, please save your breath. I have returned safe and sound, completely unharmed."

He Yitian snorted, still sounding somewhat displeased.

He reached out and brushed his hand over his body, and when he brought it forward, a jade vial seemed to appear in his hand as if by magic. He Yiming watched his brother with a grin, looking quite pleased with himself.

He Yitian gasped in surprise. He hadn't even clearly seen how his Sixth Brother had done it; he only saw a flash, and an object materialized in his brother’s hand. This speed and dexterity were far beyond his own capability.

In truth, this was because He Yiming’s command over hand seals had made his movements far more agile than before. Without mastering this miraculous innate seal technique, his movements could not have reached such an exaggerated level.

"Elder Brother, do you know what is in here?"

He Yitian glanced at it, a look of disdain flickering across his face. "What? Trying to bribe me? I don't care for it."

Chuckling, He Yiming pulled the cork and tipped out one of the golden pills into his palm.

This golden pill was a pale yellow. As soon as it was released, it began to roll rapidly in He Yiming’s hand, and a strange, fragrant aroma immediately filled the entire room.

He Yitian’s expression grew solemn. Although he had never seen what a golden pill looked like, upon smelling the fragrance that instantly invigorated the spirit, he knew this object was extremely valuable.

"What is this?"

"This is a Golden Elixir."

"Golden Elixir?" He Yitian suddenly stood up, his gaze filled with uncertain astonishment. After a moment’s hesitation, he murmured, "Sixth Brother, is this the kind of Golden Elixir that allows one to break through the barrier of limits?"

He Yiming shook his head slightly. "No, Elder Brother. That kind is called an Elixir of Limit Breaking. What I hold is an Elixir of Vitality."

A shade of disappointment crossed He Yitian's face, and he casually asked, "What is this thing used for?"

"The Elixir of Vitality is a medicine that increases bodily vitality. Once consumed, it instantly grants a great surge of energy. If one cultivates internal energy diligently during this period, their internal energy can improve drastically, perhaps even reaching the peak state of their current internal energy level," He Yiming stated seriously.

He was not mistaken. This type of elixir was highly effective even for masters of the Ninth Layer of internal energy. If He Yitian, who was only at the Seventh Layer, consumed it, he would certainly reach the peak of the Seventh Layer in a short time.

A hint of excitement touched He Yitian’s expression. Although this elixir did not have the exaggerated effects of an Elixir of Limit Breaking, for a cultivator, it was still an equally rare treasure. To claim he wasn't moved would be a lie.

He Yiming presented the golden pill, "This thing is very potent. Even internal energy masters of the Ninth Layer can only consume one every ten days. I estimate taking one a year would be about right for you."

He Yitian carefully accepted the item. After a moment of hesitation, he asked, "Where did you get this? Did you actually fight that masked man?"

He Yiming hadn't possessed such a treasure before yesterday, and producing it upon his return naturally invited suspicion.

He Yiming shook his head slightly. "Elder Brother, please don't pry so much. The ten-day agreement with the Fan family is soon; just take this quickly and elevate your internal energy to the peak of your current layer."

He Yitian looked at the elixir in his hand, finally unable to suppress the temptation—a temptation that could be fatal to a cultivator. He sat back down, swallowed the elixir, and his expression immediately shifted as he began circulating his internal energy.

Stepping back a few paces, He Yiming left his brother’s room, gently closing the door. He sent out an extremely fine thread of True Qi, and the inner lock snapped shut as if manipulated by an invisible hand.

He Yiming then sought out the Yuan family steward responsible for this courtyard and instructed him to notify everyone that his Elder Brother would be in seclusion for a few days, and under no circumstances should he be disturbed lightly.

The steward naturally responded meekly, daring not to show the slightest negligence.

He Yiming was quite satisfied with his attitude. Turning around, he proceeded toward his uncle’s residence. From a distance, he could hear the voices of two people in the room, accompanied by a strange sound, as if small stones were striking something.

An image immediately formed in his mind.

He Quanxin and Yuan Chengzhi were sharing tea and playing chess in that room.

He smiled faintly. His control and perception of True Qi were becoming increasingly effortless, and the amount of True Qi seemed to be continuously increasing, though he wondered when it would reach a point of complete fullness.

His uncle’s door was not fully closed. He Yiming called out softly at the threshold. He Quanxin’s voice boomed, "Yiming, come in."

When he had heard the news of He Yiming’s disappearance, although he appeared unconcerned on the surface, his heart had been worried. Only now that He Yiming had returned did his anxiety finally subside.

He Yiming approached them, his eyes briefly scanning the chessboard before immediately looking away.

He had no time to delve into the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. He recognized the pieces on the board, but to him, their greatest utility was as projectiles for striking people.

"Uncle, Elder Brother asked me to inform you that he plans to enter seclusion for a few days," He Yiming said.

He Quanxin set down his chess piece and asked in surprise, "Why would Yitian suddenly have this thought? Is this a good time for seclusion?"

In front of Yuan Chengzhi, He Yiming did not want to disclose the matter of the golden pill, so he could only offer a wry smile, "Perhaps Elder Brother is just seized by a sudden whim."

He Quanxin glared at him, clearly unconvinced by this explanation, but again, due to Yuan Chengzhi’s presence, he chose not to press the matter immediately.

He Yiming quickly changed the subject. "Uncle Yuan, this nephew has something to ask your guidance on."

Yuan Chengzhi laughed heartily. "Nephew Yiming, please don't be so formal. Speak your mind; if I know the answer, I certainly won't conceal it."

"I wish to ask, do you know a person named Lü Xinwen?" He Yiming asked with solemnity.

"Lü Xinwen?" Yuan Chengzhi took a sharp breath, and a look of horror involuntarily flashed across his face. "Nephew, why are you inquiring about this person?"

Seeing his expression, He Yiming’s heart tightened, but his own face showed no flaw; instead, he smiled faintly. "Last time I went to the county city with Elder Brother and the others, I unintentionally overheard someone mentioning him. He sounds like a very powerful figure."

Yuan Chengzhi relaxed slightly and sighed softly. "Nephew is correct; this person is indeed an extraordinary figure."

He Quanxin’s curiosity was also greatly piqued, and he asked, "Brother Yuan, who exactly is this expert? Is he the patriarch of some great aristocratic family?"

Yuan Chengzhi offered a bitter smile. "If this person were the patriarch of a great aristocratic family, it wouldn't warrant such high praise from me." He paused, a look of admiration welling up in his eyes. "Lü Xinwen, it is said, was an orphan who wandered the martial world since childhood. However, he was exceptionally intelligent, and when he studied martial arts, he labored diligently. Later, his fame grew, and he gradually became a renowned master in the region. Countless powerful families and grand houses tried to recruit him, but he always scorned their offers. Eventually, his attitude angered a great aristocratic family with a thousand-year lineage. He was ambushed by three masters of the same realm, but he managed to fight his way out and then vanished without a trace."

He Quanxin’s expression changed slightly. He understood perfectly what "three masters of the same realm" meant—they were definitely masters of the Tenth Layer of internal energy, otherwise Yuan Chengzhi would not have mentioned it with such gravity.

"What happened after that?" He Yiming pressed, "He couldn't have remained in hiding forever, could he?"

Yuan Chengzhi nodded slightly. "Indeed. After disappearing for a full ten years, Lü Xinwen reappeared twenty-five years ago. The first thing he did upon reappearing was go to the home of that thousand-year lineage family and kill every single person within it, earning him the moniker 'The Blood Butcher.'" At this point, a look of terror crossed Yuan Chengzhi’s face, and he added heavily, "Every living thing in the household, not one was spared."

He Quanxin’s face paled, and his eyes showed utter horror. "A Xiantian expert?"

"Exactly." Yuan Chengzhi nodded slightly. "That was a family with a thousand years of heritage, possessing four masters of the Tenth Layer of internal energy. Only a Xiantian expert could have slain them all on the spot without letting anyone escape."

He Quanxin pondered for a moment and asked, "How did he become a Xiantian expert?"

Yuan Chengzhi immediately offered another wry smile. "Regarding that point, there are many legends, but the most credible is that he discovered a cave belonging to a previous Xiantian cultivator and obtained an Elixir of Xiantian, thus achieving the breakthrough."

He Quanxin clicked his tongue, his eyes filled with envy. To encounter such good fortune required burning at least eight lifetimes of good incense.

He Yiming suddenly looked up and asked calmly, "Uncle Yuan, approximately how many people were in that family?"

"From the master to the servants, it was at least over a thousand mouths."

"Over a thousand?" He Yiming was momentarily stunned. After thinking for a moment, he asked, "Uncle Yuan, if over a thousand people scattered and fled, how could one ensure that all of them were killed?"

Yuan Chengzhi shook his head, stating matter-of-factly, "I don't know, but a Xiantian expert should be capable of it."

He Yiming rolled his eyes; Yuan Chengzhi placed too much faith in Xiantian experts.

Although Xiantian experts were formidable, possessing inexhaustible True Qi, they were still only one person. If a thousand people scattered and fled, it would be impossible to massacre every single one. If such a feat were achievable, that person wouldn't be a Xiantian expert, but a Xiantian deity.

He was certain there was a hidden reason for this, though he couldn't deduce it for the moment.

Yuan Chengzhi suddenly sighed heavily. "An offense must be repaid; one must cut the weeds and pull out the roots completely. Only such methods befit a true man."

He Yiming paused, and his gaze toward Yuan Chengzhi held a trace of strangeness.

Killing over a thousand people, including countless elderly, weak, women, and children, was described by Yuan Chengzhi as the true spirit of a man. This mindset…

He could understand it, but in his current state, he could not accept it.

However, after hearing this news, his expression also shifted slightly. He had not expected this person’s desire for vengeance to reach such a degree. Thus, it was foreseeable that as soon as this person learned the three disciples died by his hand, he would absolutely not let it go, and his family would certainly be implicated.

Yet, on second thought, the Xiao brothers had already sworn vehemently that they would invite Lü Xinwen to exterminate the He family entirely. Even if he hadn't killed those three himself, the brothers would not have spared the He family. Therefore, whether he acted or not made little real difference.

With this realization, his resolve hardened.

Although he had heard that the opponent was an expert who had entered the Xiantian Realm more than twenty years before him, He Yiming felt not the slightest agitation or terror; instead, he grew even steadier.

Before stepping into the Xiantian Realm, he had held great yearning and various mystical conjectures about this level.

But having entered it, he now understood that while cultivation in the Xiantian Realm was related to time, the most crucial element was that process of sudden enlightenment.

One moment of enlightenment, and one’s strength greatly increased immediately.

His fists clenched slightly. If Lü Xinwen came, he would let him taste the flavor of the thirty-six forms of the Mountain-Splitting Broadsword.

Ps: Another chapter in two minutes ^_^