Having mastered the two gates of the Innate battle techniques atop the peak, He Yiming returned to the Yuan estate to wait quietly. For some ineffable reason, he possessed a distinct feeling that Lü Xinwen would eventually seek him out.

That morning, upon rising, he sat in his room, circulating his energy. At times, an unusual radiance would flicker across his body—this was his method of powerfully absorbing the Innate Qi to temper his own acupoints.

While this tempering method wasn't highly efficient, it constantly stimulated the channels, and the acupoints fortified by the Five Elements cultivation were slowly growing stronger. He Yiming, engrossed in his practice, naturally did not realize that being able to immediately sense and attempt to temper all his acupoints right after stepping into the Innate realm was an existence as rare as phoenix feathers or unicorn horns, though he wasn't the very first to achieve this.

This was, in fact, due to his unique physique. Suddenly, a potent aura radiated from beyond the manor grounds.

Within this aura was a crushing force, immense and almost unimaginable. This power far exceeded the limits of the Houtian realm, and it was not something an ordinary Houtian master could sense.

In that instant, a clear realization dawned in He Yiming's heart: the man had arrived, and he was broadcasting his most powerful challenge without any concealment. If this had happened a few days earlier, before He Yiming had succeeded in achieving enlightenment on the peak, before his Innate true qi had significantly increased, and before he had harmonized the two disparate Innate battle techniques—he would certainly have felt a deep sense of apprehension upon sensing such a fierce provocation.

But now, his eyebrows shot up, and a vast oppressive might, utterly equal to the challenger’s, surged from him. However, unlike the other party, the imposing presence He Yiming displayed was not released wantonly.

Instead, his true qi surged toward the sky, coalescing into a mass in mid-air before being sprayed out toward the source of the immense pressure beyond the manor. While this method successfully prevented the manor's residents from noticing, it significantly increased the difficulty of the release.

Lü Xinwen, waiting outside the manor, certainly showed no weakness. The dignities projected by the two Innate experts collided violently at that moment.

Facing an unknown master of the same rank, both men held back to some degree. Yet, even so, when the two immense, invisible forces of true qi clashed without flourish just outside the Yuan manor gate, the result was still terrifyingly great.

Centering on the point of impact, every living creature within several hundred meters felt a sudden, violent palpitations, as if someone had suddenly materialized beside them and roared directly into their ear. Although this maneuver was not a direct killing technique, it could instantly accelerate a person's heartbeat several times over.

For those with weak hearts, there was a real danger of the heart being suddenly gripped and life instantly extinguished. In that instant, the entire area fell silent—utterly silent.

Not only did all conversation cease, but even the chirping of insects and birds instantly cut off. The fierce guard dogs of the manor all tucked their tails between their legs, lying prone with limp limbs, as if they had encountered some primordial predator, utterly drained of strength.

Eerily, the space seemed to fall into a dead stillness, devoid of any sign of life. Then, Lü Xinwen swiftly turned and departed.

He Yiming, however, paused slightly. From the intensity of the opponent's true qi, he sensed Lü Xinwen’s formidable strength.

He could even conclude that based purely on the sheer intensity of their true qi, even after his own recent substantial increase, he might not necessarily surpass this man. But for some reason, the moment their true qi made contact, after that single brush, Lü Xinwen instantly retreated.

This seemed inconsistent with the disposition He Yiming had gathered about the 'Butcher of Blood.' Touching the great Guan Dao on his back, He Yiming’s brow furrowed tightly. He had been fully prepared these past few days, conserving his energy and raising his spirit, essence, and intent to their absolute zenith.

This allowed him to launch the most ferocious counter-attack the moment of contact, backed by an even more intense aura for the counter-provocation. Yet, the opponent’s reaction was completely unexpected; instead of pressing the engagement, he withdrew.

This left He Yiming feeling extremely unsettled, like throwing a full-power punch only to have the opponent effortlessly neutralize it, or like striking into a wad of cotton—lightly, without any resistance. This feeling was intensely uncomfortable, even for him.

In a momentary flash, he suddenly understood why Lü Xinwen had retreated so easily. He relaxed his grip on the great Guan Dao, a faint, wry smile touching the corner of his lips.

Innate experts, truly, none were easy to deal with! Just then, a highly familiar sound of footsteps came from outside the door.

Eldest Brother He Yitian, having emerged from his secluded training, had found him and called out, "Sixth Brother, quickly, Father needs you." ※※※※ In the Fan family compound of the county seat, the Fan father and son wore grave expressions. Looking at their faces now, they seemed even more tense than they had been two days prior.

During the past few days, although the disappearance of the two Xiao brothers had given them a vague sense of unease, they did not believe anyone in the Yuan estate possessed the capability to hold them. However, after Lü Xinwen made his visit to the Yuan family and immediately retreated, their hearts were thoroughly seized with alarm.

This was because Fan Haori had obtained verified intelligence. There was indeed an expert at the Innate realm within the Yuan family, and judging by Lü Xinwen’s reaction, this Innate expert's strength was extraordinary.

Not only were Lü Xinwen’s three disciples likely facing dire peril, but even he himself retreated inexplicably after merely circling the Yuan manor grounds. All these signs filled the Fan father and son with deep dread.

They even harbored regrets; had they known the Yuan family could command the allegiance of an Innate expert, they never would have provoked them in the first place. Fan Shuhe sighed deeply, "Haori, you go down first.

For the next few days, you must stick close to the esteemed elder. Our Fan family has no retreat left; whether we survive this calamity depends entirely on Elder Lü." Fan Haori acknowledged this, fully grasping the critical nature of the situation.

After reporting the details of his journey, he promptly withdrew. The residence assigned to Lü Xinwen was naturally the finest independent courtyard in the Fan estate, furnished with meticulous care, even surpassing the accommodations of Fan Shuhe himself.

Arriving before this courtyard, Fan Haori stood guard personally. At such a juncture, he dared not disturb Lü Xinwen’s tranquil cultivation lightly.

However, a gentle voice drifted out from within: "Come in." Fan Haori startled, then respectfully entered. Upon seeing Lü Xinwen, his expression couldn't help but shift slightly.

Lü Xinwen’s face now carried an unmistakable shade of sorrow. Outside the Yuan manor, even when he declared that his three disciples were likely lost, he had remained as steady as Mount Tai, showing not the slightest waver.

But upon returning here, he openly displayed this emotion. Fan Haori’s lips trembled; he didn't know how to begin speaking.

Lü Xinwen suddenly asked, "Fan Haori, do you think I am overly cold and weak, knowing my three disciples are in grave danger, with the perpetrator residing inside the Yuan manor, yet I dare not seek immediate vengeance?" Fan Haori immediately knelt down respectfully, "Ancestor-Uncle, your grand-nephew harbors no such thoughts." "Oh? Then what do you think?" Fan Haori hesitated before speaking, remaining kneeling, "Your grand-nephew believes the sudden appearance of an Innate expert in the Yuan family is a matter of utmost significance.

Furthermore, I am in the light while the enemy is hidden. A rash challenge might lead us into a pre-laid trap.

It would be better to retreat a step for now, to investigate the enemy's true strength before making a final decision." Lü Xinwen watched him quietly, finally revealing a hint of relief. "Rise." Fan Haori slowly stood, but his heart remained on tenterhooks, his breathing suppressed to near nothingness.

"What you said is not entirely correct, but it is close enough," he sighed lightly. "I exchanged a test of true qi with the man from the Yuan family." Fan Haori recalled the sudden, immense pressure he had felt then and immediately understood.

He felt an even deeper awe toward the Innate experts, as he couldn't even grasp how the two powerhouses had conducted their probing. Lü Xinwen’s voice was soft and ethereal.

Fan Haori looked up and sensed that the old man’s figure seemed somewhat indistinct. What he was saying now was not meant as an explanation to an insignificant junior like himself, but rather as a form of explanation to himself.

"The man from the Yuan family had fully conserved his energy; his aura, physical strength, and true qi were all at their peak. Meanwhile, when I sensed the tragic fate of my three disciples, my spirit was necessarily unsettled.

Had we fought at that moment, even if my cultivation was slightly superior, victory would have been hard-won. Do you understand?" Fan Haori bowed deeply, "Yes, your grand-nephew understands." Lü Xinwen nodded slightly and waved his hand.

"Since you understand, you may leave. I will emerge in five days to meet with you all." Fan Haori bowed once more and slowly exited.

The courtyard door closed softly, and inside, all sound vanished, not even the slightest noise remained, as if the interior and exterior had suddenly become two separate worlds, perfectly sealed by this single door. Fan Haori stared blankly at the closed gate, all his recent anxieties melting away.

For some reason, he felt certain that when this elder emerged in five days, it would be the elder’s moment of absolute peak power. ※※※※ "Uncle, you called for me." He Yiming walked into his uncle’s room with a slight smile.

He knew precisely what had transpired. With his uncle’s cultivation in Inner Strength, he certainly must have felt that immense, ultimate pressure, which was why the elder had summoned him.

In this room were He Quanxin, as well as Yuan Zezhu and his son, Yuan Chengzhi. Old Master Yuan Zezhu seemed ready to pass the authority of the Yuan family on, having kept himself in secluded cultivation during this recent period.

But even he could not remain unmoved by the event. "Yiming, did you feel it?" He Quanxin asked with a serious expression.

He Yiming nodded slightly. "Yes, I felt it." He Quanxin stated gravely, "Brother Yuan, it is time for you to speak." Yuan Chengzhi nodded solemnly.

"Nephew Yitian, Nephew Yiming, the servant guarding the main gate just reported a message. A peculiar expert arrived before the estate, lingered briefly, and then immediately turned away.

However, during that short period, we all sensed an overwhelming pressure. Several of those servants are still unable to stand because of it." He paused.

"If I am not mistaken, this man was the source of all this." In truth, Fan Haori was accompanying Lü Xinwen outside, but the sheer grandeur of the Innate expert's aura drew everyone’s attention; Fan Haori was like a firefly beneath the sun, completely unnoticed. If He Yitian had been present, he might have spotted Fan Haori, but expecting the servants guarding the gate to possess such perception was asking too much.

He Quanxin asked with a heavy tone, "Brother Yuan, do you know who that man is?" Yuan Chengzhi managed a bitter smile. "If I knew, Brother He, I would have told you already instead of keeping you in suspense." He Yitian looked at his father.

"Father, is this person from the same faction as the one that night? Is he here to assist the Fan family?" He Quanxin shook his head expressionlessly.

"I do not know. But since this person has come here, I fear he is inevitably connected to the Fan family." Yuan Zezhu suddenly sighed, "Nephew Quanxin, this old man has a question for you." "Please, Uncle Yuan," He Quanxin bowed slightly.

"If this person is indeed supporting the Fan family, do you, Nephew, have any confidence that you can stand against him?" Yuan Zezhu stared at He Quanxin without blinking, seemingly seeking assurance. He Quanxin frowned.

After a long pause, he finally replied, "Uncle Yuan, although this junior has never seen the man, under the pressure of that person’s aura just now, the thought of resisting could not even rise within me." The faces of Yuan Zezhu and his son instantly drained of color. He Quanxin was their greatest asset, yet now the Fan family was producing experts one after another: first the two Xiao brothers who knew the Innate lightness skill and possessed protective arm guards, then the person who probed He Quanxin’s strength at night.

Now, even more outrageously, an inexplicable old man arrived who, without even showing himself, had caused He Quanxin to admit defeat. These figures were like rising tidal waves, each higher than the last, overwhelming the Yuan family members.

Slowly, Yuan Zezhu’s expression shifted several times. "Nephew Quanxin, how do you assess this man's strength?

If Elder Brother He were to personally step forward, could he secure a victory?" Although He Quanxin was a master of the tenth level of Inner Strength, he was still a step below He Wude, who had reached the peak of the tenth level, which was why he held out a sliver of hope in his question. He Quanxin shook his head without hesitation.

"Uncle Yuan, if this junior’s guess is correct, I fear that man has already broken through the Houtian realm." Though he showed some hesitation when saying this, his tone was unwavering. The faces of the Yuan father and son and He Yitian immediately turned extremely grim; only He Yiming’s expression remained unchanged.

Observing this, He Quanxin couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Yuan Zezhu pondered for a moment, then declared abruptly, "If that is the case, then we need not make any further preparations." Though old, he was mentally resolute.

"Chengzhi, issue the order immediately: our entire family will withdraw from the estate at once. From this day forward, this manor belongs to your elder brother and his kin." Yuan Chengzhi’s face changed, and he exclaimed, "Father..." In fact, Yuan Zezhu and his faction had long prepared a contingency plan, moving valuable small belongings beforehand.

If they wished, they could leave at any moment. But until the final moment, how many could easily abandon all they possessed?

Yuan Zezhu waved his hand. "There is no need to say more.

Since the other side has even brought out an Innate expert, we have no chance of winning. It is better to concede first than to die at their hands." He sighed helplessly, "A wretched life is better than a quick death; being able to preserve our lives is a small blessing amid misfortune." Yuan Chengzhi and He Quanxin exchanged glances; both looked displeased, but remembering the oppressive aura just moments ago, each felt as if a massive stone was pressing on their hearts.

Yuan Zezhu forced a wry smile and even tried to console them. "We should actually be grateful.

If that man had charged in without reason, we might not have even had a chance to leave." Everyone present was startled; even Yuan Chengzhi seemed somewhat swayed. He Yiming watched their expressions and suddenly laughed heartily, "Ancestor-Uncle Yuan, I also have a matter I wish to inquire about." Yuan Zezhu paused.

"Speak." "I wish to ask: you all repeatedly claim this man is connected to the Fan family. But are they truly related?" Everyone present was momentarily stunned, then a flicker of hope ignited in every eye.

Yuan Chengzhi slapped his thigh. "That's right!

Who knows who this expert really is? Perhaps he just took a wrong turn..." As he said this, he shook his head, clearly not believing this possibility himself.

But he quickly added, "Regardless, we must investigate. Even if we are to leave, we must confirm the news first.

Otherwise, retreating without cause will certainly lead to ridicule from everyone, and reclaiming our foundation later will be impossible." Yuan Zezhu hesitated for a long time before finally tacitly agreeing with his son's words. However, over the next several days, they could gather no news whatsoever concerning that mysterious expert.

And caught between anxiety over potential loss and the anticipation of what might be, the ten-day deadline finally arrived. Ps: It's the Lunar New Year, and maintaining a daily update of ten thousand characters is difficult enough.

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