It seemed to have undergone some special treatment, rendering the sheepskin remarkably resilient to damage.
Gently, he unrolled the scroll, revealing distinct, visible patterns. These markings did not appear to be painted on, but rather meticulously stitched with some kind of incredibly tough thread, densely packed. Even more peculiar was that the fine thread used was not all of a single color.
The entire design resembled a massive apple, rendered with such startling realism that it almost evoked the illusion of wanting to take a bite out of it.
Suddenly, a realization sparked within He Yiming’s mind. He held the parchment up above his head for closer inspection.
In the center of the apple’s vibrant green skin lay a pale, round core of flesh, and at the very heart of that core rested a peach-shaped red center. Under the sunlight, this red core exhibited a strange translucence.
His palm softly brushed over the parchment a few times, and he felt an ancient sense of weathered history emanating from it, as if it had endured millennia.
He dimly understood that this object was likely not something Lu Xinwen himself had created, but rather something he had discovered somewhere else.
And the age of this parchment must have been considerable, yet for such a long span of time, there was barely any wear on the skin, and the colors of the threads remained vividly bright, as if they had only just been embroidered.
If not for that unique, strange feeling guiding him, he wouldn't have been able to state with such certainty that this object carried an extremely ancient history.
A peculiar thought suddenly surfaced in his mind. After a moment of hesitation, he gently grasped a corner of the map with both hands and applied a slight increase in pressure, pulling gently.
However, the result of this pull was vastly beyond his expectations.
He could not budge it.
He increased the force just a little more, but the final outcome remained virtually the same.
Finally, He Yiming dared not exert more strength. But the experience he just had confirmed that its tenacity far exceeded his imagination. If it had fallen into the hands of an ordinary person, it likely would have been impossible to damage.
By this point, one thing was certain: the origins of this map were extraordinary.
He then recalled Lu Xinwen’s dying words—that the hidden dwelling contained numerous mechanisms even he could not decipher. This only deepened his curiosity.
Lu Xinwen was a Xiantian powerhouse; could any mechanism possibly trap or obstruct an expert of that caliber? It seemed truly bizarre.
At this moment, a strong urge welled up in him—a desire to immediately seek out that dwelling and see firsthand what mechanisms could cause a Xiantian expert to feel such apprehension.
His gaze swept over the map once more, and his brow furrowed deeply.
He did not recognize the terrain embroidered on this map.
This did not surprise him; the continent was vast with immense geography. Let alone him, perhaps no one dared claim to recognize all the terrains.
At several key points on the map were embroidered lines of small script, leading anyone to deduce that these were the names of the locations.
But the problem was, while He Yiming might recognize the shapes of the characters, he simply did not recognize the characters themselves.
This peculiar script was something he had never encountered before.
After a moment of thought, He Yiming carefully put the map away. This was not something suitable for others to see; as for the locations depicted, he would search for the meaning slowly.
Although these characters were cryptic and difficult to decipher, the world was large, and surely someone would be able to read them. Otherwise, Lu Xinwen would not have entrusted it so confidently to Fan Haori, because he must have believed Fan Haori could easily locate them.
Since that was the case, even if these characters were not common script, there surely wouldn't be too few people who knew them.
Composing himself, He Yiming turned and departed.
When he arrived, he had been tracking Lu Xinwen, necessitating extreme caution. But on his departure, he held far less restraint. Once he unleashed his movement technique, his body became like a flowing mist, catching the wind and soaring away toward Yuan Family Estate at a speed far surpassing the ordinary.
Seven days passed in a blink.
During these seven days, He Yiming enjoyed a treatment within the Yuan Family Estate that was almost comparable to that of an emperor.
Without his command, not a single person dared enter the courtyard where the three of them from the He family resided. Even Yuan Chengzhi, the original master of the residence, had to send word through the servants attending them before daring to step inside, and only then after permission was granted.
In the days prior, although the Yuan family had treated them politely, their deference had not reached this level of anxious reverence.
However, after learning of He Yiming’s true strength, the attitude of the entire Yuan family toward them underwent another dramatic, earth-shattering shift.
A long, drawn-out sound of breathing drifted from He Yiming’s room. Whether inhaling or exhaling, the process seemed interminably long, as if it would never cease.
This indicated that He Yiming’s lung capacity vastly exceeded that of ordinary people; even He Quanxin, who was at the tenth level of Neijin, likely possessed less than half of it.
Suddenly, the breathing stopped. He Yiming opened his eyes and spoke with irritation, “Big Brother, if you have something to say, just come in.”
The door immediately opened, and He Yitian walked in with a look of embarrassment on his face.
“Sixth Brother, how did you know I was coming to see you?”
He Yiming rolled his eyes. “You were pacing around outside my room so long my head was spinning. If I hadn't known, I’d be too stupid.”
Seeing that He Yiming’s attitude toward him was unchanged from before, He Yitian felt a sense of calm settle over him. He gave a wry smile. “Sixth Brother, you advanced to the Xiantian realm without saying a word. This is simply unbelievable.”
He Yiming smiled faintly. Any explanation now seemed inappropriate, so it was best to remain silent.
“Actually, I was very worried when I first learned you had entered the Xiantian realm,” He Yitian sighed deeply.
“Big Brother, what were you worried about?”
“I was worried if your attitude might suddenly change,” He Yitian said seriously.
He Yiming paused slightly. He inwardly sighed; his mindset toward these brothers had indeed undergone a slight shift, but this change wasn't significant.
After all, he had only just entered the Xiantian realm, while his relatives had spent over a decade with him; such deep affection could not be erased instantly and without reason.
“Now, I am relieved,” He Yitian said with satisfaction. “You are still my Sixth Brother, still the most outstanding and diligent youth of our He Family Village.”
He Yiming responded with a hearty laugh. “Big Brother, I will not change.”
He Yitian nodded heavily, then a trace of distress appeared on his face.
He Yiming found this highly unusual. He sensed that Big Brother might have encountered some difficult matter, which was why he had come specifically to find him.
“Big Brother, what is wrong?”
He Yitian hesitated for a moment. “Sixth Brother, I met with Old Master Yuan Zeyu yesterday.”
“What did he say to you?” He Yiming asked curiously. Big Brother would never mention this without reason.
“Old Master Yuan Zeyu wishes to give me a concubine,” He Yitian said, his face flushing slightly.
He Yiming was stunned, and the look he gave his Big Brother held a hint of strangeness.
“Big Brother, you only just married last year,” He Yiming asked tentatively. “Is your relationship with First Sister-in-law not good?”
He Yitian shook his head repeatedly. “No, my relationship with First Sister-in-law is very good.”
“If that’s the case, why didn't you refuse Old Master Yuan?” He Yiming could not understand. “Grandfather and Eldest Uncle have both said that although we martial practitioners do not forbid female companionship, indulging in it for long periods risks greatly diminishing our strength, possibly halting progress for life.”
He Yitian’s expression shifted slightly. Finally, he admitted, “I understand. I understand all of it. But, I like that person.”
He Yiming opened his mouth. No matter what words he might have offered, once he heard the words, "I like that person," spoken by He Yitian, he could say no more.
Big Brother might have a good relationship with First Sister-in-law, but their marriage was the product of an alliance between two major families. Although First Sister-in-law was beautiful, she was not the lifelong partner Big Brother chose for himself.
Yet, this other person, whom Big Brother might have only met once, prompted him to admit his affection.
From this alone, it was clear that Big Brother was truly moved. It was just...
He Yiming frowned. “Big Brother, does Eldest Uncle know about this?”
He Yitian awkwardly shook his head. “Father doesn't know.”
He Yiming’s expression became somewhat unusual. “Big Brother, have you considered the consequences if Eldest Uncle finds out you are indulging in lust?”
As he spoke, He Yiming’s gaze subconsciously flickered towards He Yitian’s posterior. In his memory, Big Brother seemed to have been excused from the punishment of stir-fried pork slices since he was very young. But now he was twenty-four or twenty-five, an adult; he wondered if Eldest Uncle would still apply such a punishment.
He Yitian keenly noticed his Sixth Brother’s gaze and flushed to the point of burning. He snapped, “What nonsense are you thinking about?”
He Yiming quickly composed himself, forcing a smile. “Big Brother, I was merely considering if, upon learning of this, Eldest Uncle would punish you with facing the wall. If he made you face the wall for three years straight, that would be hard enough to bear.”
Hearing his Sixth Brother’s weak excuse, He Yitian snorted, but the thought itself gave him a headache.
“Actually, facing the wall alone wouldn't be an issue, but I fear Father might not agree,” He Yitian sighed deeply. “Since I was small, Father has taught me that martial skills are the foundation of our He Family’s survival, something we can never abandon. If they learn I intend to take another concubine, the elders will find it very difficult to agree.”
He Yiming raised his eyebrows slightly. “Big Brother, I recall Eldest Uncle married when he was fifteen. Perhaps…”
He Yitian shook his head vehemently. “Sixth Brother, times are different now. Back then, our He family had few members, and we were anxious to establish a foothold in Taicang, which is why Grandfather arranged Father’s marriage so early. But now our He family has a certain foundation in Taicang County. Even if I marry before twenty-five, it is only because I, as the eldest son and grandson, must bear corresponding responsibilities. Otherwise, given our status as cultivators, marrying past thirty would be perfectly normal.”
He Yiming understood well that Big Brother’s concerns were valid. Unless one gave up the desire for further advancement, few martial practitioners would indulge deeply in female company.
After He Yitian finished speaking, he kept looking at He Yiming, his gaze harboring a subtle strangeness.
Suddenly, He Yiming felt an extremely bad premonition. “Big Brother, what are you trying to do?”
He Yitian coughed lightly. “Sixth Brother, I have something I need to ask of you.”
Although He Yiming’s scalp inexplicably tingled, he unhesitatingly replied, “Whatever it is, Big Brother, just tell me.”
“Sixth Brother, Old Master Yuan had two women with him this time, and I only took a liking to one of them,” He Yitian said somewhat nervously.
He Yiming’s eyes suddenly widened. “Big Brother, what do you mean by this?”
He Yitian sighed. “Good brother, I have no choice. You are now indisputably the foremost figure in our He family. If you are willing to accept one of these two women, then even if I accept the other, it won’t amount to much.”
He Yiming’s expression instantly became comical.
Although he was entirely devoted to the martial path, given his age, it was absurd to say he had no curiosity about women. However, his primary focus remained on enhancing his strength, as every session of practice brought him a unique sense of pleasure, so he genuinely didn't think much about that aspect. But now that Big Brother brought it up, he found it hard to make a decision.
After a moment of consideration, He Yiming shook his head. “Big Brother, do you think Grandfather and Eldest Uncle would agree to me marrying now?”
He Yitian gave a wry smile. “Sixth Brother, you misunderstood. I am not asking you to marry that girl as your wife.” He paused. “That girl is Old Master Yuan Chengzhi’s biological daughter, but she is born of a concubine, and her mother died early. However, she is graceful and handles herself appropriately; even as your concubine, she would not compromise your standing.”
He Yiming looked suspicious. “A concubine?”
“Exactly,” He Yitian declared proudly. “Never mind that she is merely the concubine-born daughter of the Yuan family; even if she were Yuan Shishu’s biological daughter, she would only be fit to be your concubine.”
A thought suddenly struck He Yiming, and he asked, “Big Brother, which one caught your eye?”
He Yitian blushed slightly. “The one I favor is Yuan Zeyu’s biological granddaughter, and she is a woman who knows how to respect boundaries. She shouldn't vie with Yanli.”
He Yiming’s eyebrows shot up. “Yuan Zeyu’s biological granddaughter? Big Brother, are you mistaken? Yuan Zeyu was expelled from the Yuan family and is like fire and water with Old Master Yuan. If you marry his granddaughter, won’t that cause strife between the two families later... No, how could Old Master Yuan possibly introduce Yuan Zeyu’s granddaughter to you?”
He Yitian sighed, recounting the events after He Yiming’s departure that day: Yuan Zeyu’s sudden death, and Yuan Zeyu, out of brotherly affection, not only readmitting that branch of the family but also having He Quanxin act as a guarantor for the matter.
This was an enormous affair for the Yuan family, but for He Yiming, it was such a trivial matter that no one had bothered to report it to him. Even if someone had tried to stir up trouble, they lacked the standing to approach He Yiming. Thus, three days after returning, he was unaware of these developments.
After listening to Big Brother’s account, He Yiming couldn't help but sigh, though he wasn't sure if Old Master Yuan’s actions were correct.
He Yitian continued, “Although Yuan Zeyu’s branch has returned to the family, they hold no power anymore. Their subsequent decline and marginalization are easily imagined. To prevent this line from completely vanishing in the future, Old Master Yuan specifically selected a direct granddaughter from that branch and Yuan Shishu’s concubine-born daughter.” He paused here. “Do you understand what I mean?”
He Yiming nodded slightly. With things having reached this point, if he still didn’t understand, he would truly be too dense.
He Yitian finally relaxed. “Actually, Old Master Yuan still values the direct descendants of the main lineage, which is why he sent Yuan Shishu’s daughter to you, while sending Yuan Zeyu’s granddaughter to me, simply hoping that the main branch can receive a little more favor.”
Hearing Big Brother repeatedly use the word "send," He Yiming felt a wave of emotion. The women of great families, though free from worry about food and clothing, sometimes inevitably had to make sacrifices in marriage for the development of the clan.
The Yuan family was weaker, the He family was stronger; this outcome was natural. However, all of this was because he had stepped into the Xiantian realm. Without that, given the Yuan family’s status and strength, they would certainly never commit such an act that humiliated their own dignity.
Seeing that He Yiming seemed amenable, He Yitian quickly pressed his advantage. “Sixth Brother, since you are not marrying a wife, but merely taking a concubine, the fuss won’t be that great. Besides, Old Master Yuan also said that even if she doesn’t formally enter the household right now, it’s fine; Miss Yuan can serve you in the He family until you marry, and then go through the formal ceremony.”
This time, He Yiming was truly surprised. “Big Brother, Miss Yuan is, after all, a daughter of the Yuan family. Can they really allow this?”
He Yitian chuckled faintly. “If it were anyone else, absolutely not. But you are now a Xiantian expert. As long as you agree and let the word spread, I guarantee that never mind the Yuan family—even a concubine-born daughter from the Lin family of Linlang would willingly do the same.”
He Yiming was silent for a long time. Only then did he grasp how immensely powerful his status as a Xiantian expert truly was.
In fact, his own estimation of his standing had been severely underestimated. A powerhouse who reached Xiantian at sixteen—what heights might he reach when he fully matured? To curry favor with such a young expert, no price was too high to pay.
“Sixth Brother, don’t rush to a decision. Why don’t you come with me to see Old Master Yuan first?” He Yitian persuaded. “As long as you make the decision and agree, Father definitely won't blame you.” He paused, sounding as if he carried infinite sentiment. “Within He Family Village now, no one can possibly blame you anymore—not even Grandfather.”
Ps: Another chapter in two minutes ^_^