He Yiming had encountered only two experts at the Innate realm after achieving it himself, and the one before him was undoubtedly the third.

As he slowly approached the pavilion, he couldn't help but freeze momentarily.

Whether it was Ting Shiguang of the Fire Crow Kingdom or the Butcher Lü Xinwen of the Golden Forest Kingdom, both possessed dignified appearances.

However, the face of this Grand Master Protector of the Tianluo Kingdom was rather comical.

In truth, Master Shui Xuanjin's face was quite full, and his eyes were bright and piercing.

Yet, growing from the top of his head were a pair of enormous ears.

These unusually large ears resembled cattail fans, lightly fluttering in the breeze within the pavilion.

However, that momentary pause was all it took; He Yiming immediately composed himself, bowed deeply, and said, "Greetings, Brother Shui." Having dealt with both Ting Shiguang and Lü Xinwen, he already knew that interactions between Innate experts were not based on seniority but rather on individual strength.

Once one reached the Innate realm, they could converse with peers of the same level as equals.

Shui Xuanjin stood up, cast a deep look at He Yiming, and suddenly sighed, "Brother He is truly young." He Yiming discerned the emotion embedded in the sigh—it was clearly heartfelt.

He looked up in surprise, studied the man intently a few times, and his expression involuntarily shifted slightly.

Shui Xuanjin asked in astonishment, "Brother He, you actually saw it?" He Yiming hesitated for a moment, then shook his head. "I didn't discern anything specific, Brother Shui worries too much." As he spoke those words, there was a distinct element of insincerity.

In reality, upon closer inspection, he had already noticed that the vitality within Shui Xuanjin seemed to be draining away at an extremely slow pace.

In the two Innate powerhouses he had previously met, He Yiming could sense a powerful surge of life force, akin to the vigorous growth of all things in spring.

He knew this was a field created by the potent life energy inherent in Innate experts, something only those of the same level could clearly perceive.

But in Shui Xuanjin, this powerful vitality seemed to be gradually withering, as if spring was long past, summer had concluded, autumn leaves were falling, and winter was imminent.

Shui Xuanjin let out a hearty, unrestrained laugh. "Brother He, your eyesight is indeed remarkably sharp; this was beyond my expectations.

But there's no need to conceal it.

This old man is already two hundred and twelve years old, and truly, there aren't many years left for me." A hint of awkwardness immediately appeared on He Yiming's face, yet he admired the man inwardly.

To remain so cheerful while knowing his time was short, a fact perceptible in those clear eyes, was truly rare.

Shui Xuanjin extended a hand and gestured. "Brother He, please take a seat." He Yiming sat down across from him.

By now, he held a great deal of goodwill for this man of over two centuries.

Still, his gaze inevitably drifted back to those large ears.

Shui Xuanjin noticed his gaze, smiled slightly, and then, in a miraculous fashion, the pair of ears on his head began to shrink, instantly returning to the size of an ordinary person's.

He Yiming's eyes widened immediately.

He instantly understood. "What a marvelous technique.

I must ask, Brother Shui, what cultivation method is this?" "This technique is called 'Shunfeng Er' (Wind-Listening Ear), an Innate cultivation method collected by the Tianluo Imperial Family," Shui Xuanjin replied with a smile. "It is an exceedingly rare auxiliary Innate technique, but not everyone can master it." "Why not?" "Because this technique does not belong to any of the Five Elements methods.

To cultivate it, one must possess an innate talent for wind-based cultivation techniques," Shui Xuanjin stated calmly.

He Yiming's eyes brightened. "Are there other cultivation methods outside the Five Elements?" "Of course." Shui Xuanjin took a deep breath, as if trying to draw all the fresh air into his lungs. "Nature is full of myriad transformations, just as the Great Dao has countless paths, none identical.

In this world, for every power that exists, there is a corresponding attribute.

The power of the Five Elements is the foundation of all forces, but it cannot represent every force.

And the power of wind is but one thread within that vast tapestry of the Dao." Brilliant light sparked in He Yiming's eyes.

Even his grandfather, He Quanming, had never spoken such words to him.

These words gave him a feeling of sudden enlightenment; in that single moment, it felt as though he had gained a deeper comprehension of the Way of Nature.

This was especially true concerning the wind and rain he had once comprehended.

He even felt a sensation as if he could pierce the veil separating him from a deeper understanding at any moment, nearly rising to practice his fist techniques.

However, he restrained himself and offered a respectful bow to Shui Xuanjin.

Coming to the capital city had certainly been the right decision; this single statement alone had benefited him immensely.

Seeing He Yiming's attitude, Shui Xuanjin was momentarily stunned.

He asked in surprise, "Brother He, did your teacher never explain these principles?" Indeed, while these principles might not be necessary for Post-Innate experts, they were the most fundamental truths for Innate masters.

Any lineage that provided instruction would pass on this basic understanding the moment a disciple reached the Innate realm.

He Yiming's face flushed slightly. "Brother Shui, this junior has no formal lineage." "No lineage?" Shui Xuanjin pondered for a moment. "Yet, to my knowledge, the He family seems to have an extremely deep connection with the Hengshan lineage." He Yiming immediately realized that Lin Taoli must have let slip some information.

He smiled faintly. "My ancestor was once a registered disciple of the Hengshan Sect, but he left the mountain to wander forty years ago and has not yet returned to Hengshan.

Thus, this junior is not yet a member of Hengshan." Shui Xuanjin's expression shifted several times.

He murmured, "If that is the case, then how did Brother He manage to reach the Innate realm?" He Yiming spread his hands. "I used the path of mutual generation among cultivation methods to advance my inner strength and ultimately break past the limits to step into the Innate realm." Only then did genuine terror surface in Shui Xuanjin's eyes. "Brother He entered the Innate realm on your own, not by consuming an Innate Golden Elixir?" "Yes." He Yiming gave an honest smile, then considered. "I have heard of the Innate Golden Elixir, but unfortunately, I have never seen one.

However, to be honest, breaking through to Innate was significantly harder than advancing in inner strength." The muscles in Shui Xuanjin's face twitched slightly.

After a long pause, he finally sighed deeply. "Brother He, I originally assumed you were like those young prodigies from the Super Sects—possessed of immense talent but relying on an Elixir to advance.

But now I realize I greatly underestimated you, Brother He." He Yiming paused slightly, testing the waters. "Brother Shui, when you speak of Super Sects, do you mean secluded sects similar to Hengshan?" Shui Xuanjin laughed dryly. "The Hengshan lineage certainly qualifies as a secluded sect, but it does not rank among the Super Sects." Seeing He Yiming's evident interest, he waved a hand. "Brother He, I hear you are destined to rejoin the Hengshan sect eventually.

You will learn the inside story then.

It would be inappropriate for me to recount it now." He Yiming dropped his line of questioning but paused before saying, "Brother Shui, you mentioned that the Super Sects also have young Innate experts?" Shui Xuanjin hesitated for a moment, then stated solemnly, "Yes.

Although such individuals are also gifted beyond measure, compared to you, Brother He, the gap is vast." He delivered this statement with finality, without any hint of doubt.

Indeed, given He Yiming's age, reaching the Innate realm purely through his own power, without consuming an Elixir, was unprecedented, if not entirely unique in history.

He Yiming smiled bitterly internally.

Talent? He had none, in the traditional sense.

If not for that miraculous encounter at the bottom of the lake that inexplicably altered his constitution, how could he have achieved what he had today? Shui Xuanjin expressed a few more sentiments before his expression suddenly turned serious. "Brother He, since you have discerned that my lifespan is limited, you should also understand the purpose behind my invitation to you here." He Yiming's gaze shifted.

He hadn't expected Shui Xuanjin to be so direct in presenting his request, but then again, this approach aligned with his personality.

After some consideration, He Yiming said, "Brother Shui, there is one thing I do not understand, and I request your guidance." "Please speak." "Why did you agree to become the Grand Master Protector of the Tianluo Kingdom?" "Because I shared a bond of life and death with the previous ruler of Tianluo," Shui Xuanjin replied without hesitation. "I have served as the Grand Master Protector since one hundred and thirty years ago.

During this century, I witnessed the prosperity and development of Tianluo, expanding its territory fourfold from a mere small commandery.

Now I am old, and this body has grown frail.

At most, I can only rely on my former reputation to deter nearby jackals and tigers." He let out a long sigh. "I always believed that upon my death, Tianluo would gradually vanish like many small nations in the Northwest.

But unexpectedly, a genius master like you appeared at this critical juncture." As he spoke, Shui Xuanjin's eyes brightened, and he grew slightly emotional. "That is why I summoned you—I hope you can inherit my position and continue to guard Tianluo." A subtle ripple passed through He Yiming's eyes.

At this moment, this elder evoked a strange feeling in him, much like his grandfather, He Wude.

Both men carried a profound attachment to a certain matter, one they could not set aside even unto death.

Though their specific goals differed, the weight of their commitment was identical.

Seeing He Yiming remain silent, Shui Xuanjin spoke softly, "Brother He, I know your future is limitless, but He Family Village is, after all, a subject of the Tianluo Kingdom.

I beg you to accept this burden, however reluctantly." He Yiming instantly recalled the conversation with his grandfather on that other day; it carried the exact same sentiment.

Noticing He Yiming was showing signs of agreement, Shui Xuanjin's face lit up with joy. "Brother He, I have collected quite a few trinkets over the past century.

If you are interested, perhaps you might like to take a look?" He Yiming's expression shifted slightly. "Brother Shui, does the Tianluo treasury contain any Innate secret manuals?" Shui Xuanjin paused. "It does." "I wish to examine those manuals.

Could Brother Shui facilitate this?" Shui Xuanjin burst into hearty laughter. "Brother He, that is a small matter; it only requires a word." He paused and added, "Actually, if you agree to become the Protector Master, then not only the Innate manuals in Tianluo, but you will also hold a ten percent stake in the entire national treasury." He Yiming felt a shock then.

To secure an Innate realm expert, the Tianluo Kingdom was willing to pay such an enormous price—this was completely unexpected.

After chuckling a few times, Shui Xuanjin said, "Brother He, there are some things I shouldn't say, but since you have no formal lineage, I will presume to offer a few words of counsel." "Please speak, Brother Shui." "Although we Innate experts possess True Qi of Heaven and Earth, far surpassing Post-Innate cultivators, our energy is also limited.

When selecting Innate secret manuals, it is best not to be overly greedy, but rather to focus on identifying a few key texts.

He sighed softly. "The Hengshan lineage has been established for thousands of years; their collection undoubtedly far surpasses that of the Tianluo Imperial Family.

Furthermore, under the guidance of sect elders, it is easier to pinpoint your path of development.

Therefore, even if you examine those Innate manuals, it is best only to draw inspiration from them, rather than striving to master every single one." He Yiming remained silent for a long moment before finally bowing. "Yes, this junior has been enlightened." Shui Xuanjin repeatedly waved his hand. "Brother He need not be so formal; this is merely some insight gained over many years." He stood up. "Brother He, I shall enter the palace once immediately and bring three manuals for your review.

Copying one will even be permissible." He Yiming, however, became hesitant.

He pondered for a moment and said, "Brother Shui, what you said makes perfect sense.

I have decided that only the Shunfeng Er technique will suffice." A flicker of relief crossed Shui Xuanjin's face.

He Yiming had become an Innate expert at such a young age, yet he was not arrogant or complacent, but rather receptive to advice and willing to listen.

This young man's future, it seemed, was truly boundless.

At this moment, Shui Xuanjin also made up his mind: no matter the cost, He Yiming must become the Grand Master Protector.

In a beautifully landscaped courtyard, He Yiming turned the pages of a rather thin book in his hands.

At Shui Xuanjin’s insistence, He Yiming chose to reside in his Shaoming Residence.

This courtyard was the accommodation personally selected for him by the elder.

However, aside from himself, He Quanxin and He Yitian were staying in the Imperial Manor.

Countless people visited the manor daily to build relationships with them, yet He Yiming, dwelling in Shaoming Residence, enjoyed rare tranquility.

It wasn't that no one wished to pay respects to this new Innate expert; rather, no one dared to enter Shaoming Residence.

Shui Xuanjin kept his word.

That very day, he retrieved the manual for Shunfeng Er from the palace and delivered it to He Yiming.

Now, holding this strange Innate technique, He Yiming was carefully studying it, murmuring softly to himself, seemingly grasping its essence.

After a moment of contemplation, he moved to the central writing desk and began transcribing its contents.

Suddenly, a faint sound of movement came from the doorway.

The residences here were specially designed and extremely well-maintained; the sound of the door opening was almost inaudible.

However, for an Innate expert, even the slightest noise could not escape their perception.

He Yiming did not look up and asked casually, "Is something the matter?" Yuan Lixun was the only woman who had accompanied his family on the journey, and the only woman He Yiming allowed into Shaoming Residence.

Beyond her, even the servants and maids personally assigned by Shui Xuanjin had been asked to leave the courtyard.

Having spent some time with Yuan Lixun, a certain tacit understanding had developed between them.

He Yiming knew that unless it was something absolutely necessary, Yuan Lixun would never interrupt him while he was reading.

A pleasant, soft voice sounded. "Husband, Young Master Lin Taoli is outside in the hall, requesting an audience." He Yiming nodded slightly, setting down his brush. "He is fast.

I will go meet him now.

I hope he brings me good news." Before coming to Shangjing, He Yiming had obliquely expressed to Lin Taoli his desire to examine the Lin family's treasured collection of hand seal secret manuals.

Although Shui Xuanjin had advised that 'grasping too much leads to slipping it all away,' He Yiming had developed a particular fondness for the hand seal cultivation methods after beginning his study of them.

Moreover, one of his strongest martial skills currently involved hand seals, so learning a bit more would certainly not be excessive.

Upon entering the main hall, Lin Taoli paid his respects respectfully.

During their first meeting, the Lin family held the absolute upper hand, but now, their positions had completely reversed.

Lin Taoli was naturally filled with emotion, yet his expression became even more deferential.

After serving tea, Yuan Lixun curtsied slightly and returned to He Yiming’s study.

She was absolutely not privy to their conversation.

Once Yuan Lixun departed, Lin Taoli retrieved two thick books from his person and placed them flat on the table. "Grand Master He, these are the original and the transcribed copies of the Hand Seal techniques treasured by our Lin family for many years." He Yiming’s eyes lit up, and he asked in surprise, "Is there a difference between these two books?" Lin Taoli shook his head. "This transcribed copy was personally copied by my father.

In principle, it should be without error.

However, Innate secret manuals are matters of utmost importance, and not a single mistake can be tolerated.

Therefore, my father ordered me to bring the original along as well.

Please review both, Grand Master He, and then return them." He Yiming smiled upon hearing this; he understood their meaning.

If it were only the transcribed copy, He Yiming might have suspected they were holding back originals.

But since they brought the original as well, there was nothing more to say.

After thanking Lin Taoli, the young master departed, quite satisfied.

He Yiming sighed inwardly; since advancing to the Innate realm, he had incurred numerous favors, and repaying them in the future might require considerable effort.

Ps: I just returned from Beijing yesterday, exhausted.

However, after reading the comments section, Bai He also felt some emotion.

I will post a single chapter update later; interested friends can read it, and those uninterested can skip it.

Thank you ^_^