Two golden eagles soared above the white clouds, at times flying toward the sun, circling around it until they became mere black specks, and at others spreading their wings wide to glide down, as if navigating a boundless sea.

Suddenly, a sharp whistle pierced the air from the ground, as if relaying an order. The two eagles executed a sharp turn in the sky and plummeted downward. Their bodies swept low over the earth, instantly stirring up a spray of blood and the miserable screeches of pheasants.

Moments later, the two vividly plumed pheasants were snatched up and flown directly to the vast, open clearing just outside the edge of the woods.

A satisfied, long laugh immediately erupted. Yu Rupei, the Sovereign of Tianluo, threw back his head in joyous laughter. With a sweep of his hand, attendants rushed forward to lavish care upon the two hunting falcons that had so honored him.

This was the Royal Hunting Preserve, located twenty li from the Tianluo capital. Within the preserve, there was also an entrance leading deep into the mountains—a place reserved exclusively for the Tianluo imperial family and the sons and daughters of some nobles for hunting.

Naturally, after so many years of hunting, truly fierce game was hard to come by within the preserve itself. To secure a good harvest, one had to venture through the deep mountain entrance and search in the more distant reaches.

The current season was hardly ideal for hunting, yet Sovereign Yu Rupei had still commanded the warriors to gather, accompanying the visiting princes and princesses of Ka উপেক্ষাng and the Protector Grand Master.

This circumstance was closely related to the flourishing martial spirit prevalent in the Northwestern Kingdoms.

Seeing his two falcons set such an auspicious record, Yu Rupei was naturally beaming. He declared, “My esteemed officials, today the honored envoys of Ka উপেক্ষাng arrive. Our warriors of Tianluo must welcome them in the most fervent manner.” His voice carried for miles across the open ground.

Though his internal Neijin cultivation had not reached the peak Tenth Layer, he possessed strength around the Eighth Layer. Supported by Shui Xuanjin, the throne of the Tianluo Sovereign was as steady as Mount Tai.

Beside him, a great cheer erupted, and the shining eyes of over a thousand people reflected excitement, as if they had already secured victory in this hunt.

Yu Rupei turned, asking, “Your Highness, the Third Prince, will your contingent not be participating?”

The Third Prince, Zhan Zhichao, smiled faintly. “Since His Majesty the Sovereign has extended an invitation, perhaps our young men should also show off a little.” He was clearly prepared; he strode forward, followed closely by four attendants.

Yu Rupei’s expression shifted slightly. “Does Your Highness, the Third Prince, intend to hunt personally?”

Zhan Zhichao laughed heartily. “Indeed. Our Ka উপেক্ষাng Kingdom was founded on martial prowess; as a prince, I must certainly lead by example. Such a grand occasion—how could I possibly refrain from joining in?”

Yu Rupei’s face stiffened momentarily. Suddenly, a figure darted out from just behind him, bowing deeply toward the Sovereign. “Father King, His Highness the Third Prince speaks the truth. Though I am untalented, I too wish to venture into the woods.”

Everyone looked up, nodding silently in their hearts. Stepping forward to take the initiative was Yu Xiaoyi, the Crown Prince of Tianluo.

Yu Rupei’s expression softened. He gazed deeply at his son, openly displaying his relief and admiration.

“Very well. Since that is settled, let the hunt commence. You may go.”

At the King’s decree, countless figures immediately surged forth, rushing toward the nearby forest.

Outside this preserve, exquisite tents dotted the landscape; these were the temporary lodgings erected for the Sovereign of Tianluo and his entourage for the duration of the hunt.

The reason for not constructing permanent structures here, rumor had it, was an unwillingness to unduly disturb the creatures within the preserve.

Inside one of these tents, He Yiming sipped the fragrant milk tea handed to him by Yuan Lixun. Watching the crowds rush out in their eagerness, he couldn't help but shake his head slightly. To call this a hunt was perhaps more apt to call it a farce. Humans certainly feared fierce beasts, but beasts equally feared humans, especially when humanity appeared in such overwhelming numbers.

With so many people pouring in at once, he suspected any beast with a shred of common sense would choose to lie low until the commotion passed. Unless one ventured into the deep mountain gorges, achieving any significant gain would be next to impossible.

His gaze suddenly sharpened; he actually spotted two extremely familiar figures among the departing throng.

It was his uncle, He Quanxin, and his elder brother, He Yitian, mixing with the crowd.

Given their combined strength, and his uncle’s deep familiarity with the forest, as long as they didn't encounter any Ling Beasts within, they were virtually certain to return without incident. And in a place teeming with people, the mere presence of a Ling Beast would indeed be incredible.

Thus, He Yiming glanced at them only briefly before withdrawing his gaze. He felt completely secure concerning his uncle and brother.

Turning back, He Yiming looked at the vapor rising from his teacup, his own thoughts a chaotic swirl like the mist before him.

It had been seven days since he had eavesdropped on Cheng Fu and the others' conversation. During these seven days, He Yiming had remained indecisive, yet he had kept the content of those discussions hidden from Shui Xuanjin.

Now, seven days had passed, the hunt had officially begun, and by this time tomorrow—the moment the hunt concluded—if nothing unexpected occurred, Cheng Fu would issue his challenge.

He Yiming knew he could stall no longer.

Yuan Lixun looked at He Yiming with surprise. There was a flicker of bewilderment in his eyes—an expression she rarely saw since she had come to know him.

An overwhelming, sudden desire welled up within her to erase that trace of confusion. Though her rational mind told her that if even her Young Master could not solve a problem, she would surely be powerless to help, driven by some strange compulsion, she gently asked, “Young Master, are you troubled by something?”

He Yiming started slightly. He turned to see the worry held within her bright, wide eyes and felt a sudden warmth in his heart. He sighed softly. “Yes, there is a matter for which I have been unable to make a final decision, causing me considerable vexation.”

Yuan Lixun hesitated. “Can you perhaps speak of it? Maybe saying it aloud will make you feel better.”

A slight twitch touched He Yiming’s lips. He had intended to speak, but for some unknown reason, the words caught in his throat and halted. He questioned himself internally and suddenly understood: he did not want her to know that he had spied on conversations within the royal estate.

If she knew he had done such a thing, would her impression of him diminish greatly?

He Yiming let out a bitter smile. When had he become so… cowardly?

He shook his head, and a trace of disappointment crossed Yuan Lixun’s face. However, before she could offer further comfort, she heard He Yiming speak again: “If a person commits an act—though it is unintentional, and the act itself is not inherently wrong—yet this act causes another person to form a significant misunderstanding, one that could lead to extremely negative consequences. But this consequence affects the first person in no way. Tell me, should the first person ignore it, or should they…”

He stopped speaking and looked up, quietly observing Yuan Lixun, as if hoping to find the ultimate answer etched upon her lovely face.

Yuan Lixun paused slightly. Although He Yiming’s description was vague—this person, that person, the indeterminable nature of it all—she understood the core issue.

When their eyes met, hers immediately darted away like a startled fawn. Her heart felt both agitated and somewhat secretly pleased—a sensation she couldn't fully grasp herself.

Her heart hammered several times before gradually settling down. She bit her lower lip, thought seriously, and a deep blush spread across her cheeks. Yet the words she spoke carried a strange firmness.

“Young Master, my mother always taught my brother and me that every person alive has their own responsibilities. Some responsibilities are large, some are small. Those with greater ability bear the larger ones; those with lesser ability bear the smaller ones. As long as you do what is within your power to do… that is enough.”

He Yiming sat calmly, silently absorbing her words.

Yuan Lixun did not disturb him, merely watching by his side. She observed the brightness gradually dawning in his eyes as he processed her statement, suddenly feeling as if she might be pulled into their depths.

This man, though a Xiantian powerhouse, had always given the impression of a big boy in his previous conduct.

But then again, she reflected, no matter what realm his martial arts had reached, he himself was only a sixteen-year-old youth. At that age, was he not just a big boy?

Yet, at this moment, a subtle transformation seemed to occur in He Yiming, as if the boy had shed his immaturity, gaining the sense of responsibility and charm belonging to a grown man.

Yuan Lixun’s gaze softened, and this scene felt as if it would be eternally imprinted upon her heart.

Finally, He Yiming set down his teacup and nodded heavily toward Yuan Lixun. “Thank you,” he said sincerely.

“Ah…” Yuan Lixun started, then realized, becoming instantly flustered. It felt as if the deepest secret in her heart had been peered into; the flush on her cheeks intensified, spreading to her ears and neck, as if the sweet, delicate scent of her skin were beginning to evaporate.

He Yiming’s eyes flashed brightly, but as he had already reached a decision, he immediately composed himself and looked away.

He spoke quietly. “You are absolutely right. No matter what, I am still a person of Tianluo.” Then, he called out loudly, “Brother Shui, I request your presence for a moment.”

The sound of his voice was not loud, but it traveled outward with endless resonance, whispering in everyone’s ear, ensuring all heard him clearly.

Yuan Lixun’s small mouth fell open in astonishment. She had not expected He Yiming to invite Shui Xuanjin so abruptly.

In the distance, within the Ka উপেক্ষাng encampment, Cheng Fu frowned, a distinctly unpleasant premonition creeping over him. But he immediately cast aside the stray thought. For him, the challenge awaiting in the next moment demanded his full focus. Nothing else could occupy his mind right now.

A figure flickered into view, and Shui Xuanjin appeared outside the tent. He walked in with a smile, settling down right in front of He Yiming.

Without needing instruction, Yuan Lixun immediately offered him another cup of milk tea. Shui Xuanjin took it, downed it in one gulp, and praised, “This brew is quite good.”

Yuan Lixun lowered her head with a smile. “Thank you for your praise, Master Shui.”

Shui Xuanjin glanced outside and sighed long. “A hundred years ago, I participated personally in every hunt. But my disposition has mellowed with age, and I no longer care for such exertion.”

He Yiming was momentarily confused. “Brother Shui, if you participated, who else could possibly compete with you? Wouldn’t you secure first place every time?”

Shui Xuanjin chuckled dismissively. “Who says? Though I competed every time, I never boasted. I merely did it for amusement.”

He Yiming then understood. Allowing a Xiantian master to participate in such a hunt would essentially be cheating.

“Very well. You sought me out—what is the matter?” Shui Xuanjin set down his cup and asked casually.

He Yiming also set down his cup, looked up, and stated gravely, “I wish to know: does Tianluo Kingdom have to submit tribute to Ka উপেক্ষাng Kingdom annually?”

Shui Xuanjin sighed softly. “That is correct. And it’s not just Tianluo. In truth, about one-third of the smaller kingdoms in the Northwest must deliver substantial tribute to Ka উপেক্ষাng every year.”

“One-third?” He Yiming looked surprised. “The Three Great Powers of the Northwest?”

Shui Xuanjin nodded slightly. “Brother He, having devoted yourself entirely to cultivation, you may not understand the political realities. In the Northwestern Kingdoms, the Three Great Powers are the true rulers; all other nations are their subordinate client states. To prevent these minor states from developing too rapidly, the Three Great Powers established the tribute clauses, requiring us to deliver a fixed proportion of our tax revenue and grain supplies to them.”

He Yiming’s brow furrowed deeply. “Can we not resist?”

Shui Xuanjin gave a bitter smile. “A dish of scattered sand—it is difficult…”

Those four words expressed all his helplessness.

Indeed, in the environment of the Northwest, apart from the Three Great Powers, other nations controlled anywhere from four or five prefectures to just one, with some kingdoms even comprising the area of a single county.

The Three Great Powers seemed to maintain a tacit understanding, showing no inclination toward expansion, while the territories of the numerous smaller states shifted unpredictably. Often, a state would change its ruler within a few decades.

However, even when rulers changed hands, it was mostly through peaceful evolution. When one clan lost control over the nation, a new family would naturally rise to replace the old royalty. The former royal family would then abdicate and become a powerful noble house within the state.

It was this peculiar method of succession that allowed the Northwest to boast so many families with millennia-long lineages.

Of course, this strange dynamic seemed unique to the Northwest. In Dashen to the East, or in nations under the legendary Church’s rule in the Far West, the transitions appeared far more bloody and brutal.

He Yiming pondered for a moment. He was no longer the naive child he once was. His experiences over the past year had educated him about this situation. Simultaneously, he had a vague sense that perhaps, above the Three Great Powers, there existed an even stronger force—a power whose very existence suppressed all dissonant voices and permitted this strange method of inherited transition.

However, all of this was currently too distant and unattainable for He Yiming.

Picking up his refilled cup, He Yiming drank it down in one go. Then, as if having made up his mind, he said, “Brother Shui, you know my true age, don’t you?”

Shui Xuanjin nodded slightly. “Indeed. Brother He, you are only sixteen years old this year. To have already advanced to the Xiantian Master level at this age is simply unprecedented and unmatched in history.”

He Yiming’s face rarely flushed, but now it did slightly. “Brother Shui, let’s set that aside and return to the main point.” He looked calmly into the elder man’s eyes. “I know you wish for me to assume the position of Protector Grand Master of the Tianluo Kingdom.”

Shui Xuanjin’s eyes lit up instantly. “That is correct. I know this request is indeed difficult for a genius like yourself. But my own time is drawing short, and I truly cannot bear to watch the rising Tianluo Kingdom decline again. Therefore, I implore Brother He to accept this burden, however reluctantly.”

The old man rose from his seated position and bowed deeply to He Yiming. His spine, though aged, remained straight and tall as he bent it deeply, without hesitation.

He Yiming quickly reached out to support him. “Brother Shui, if you can agree to one condition of mine, I will accept the position.”

Shui Xuanjin looked up sharply, his expression a mixture of surprise and joy.

In truth, after learning He Yiming’s real age, he hadn’t held much hope. It was the same as when the former Ting Shiguang met He Yiming and immediately stopped mentioning the matter. If it weren't for Shui Xuanjin knowing his life was nearing its end and being overly concerned for Tianluo’s future, he wouldn’t have grasped at He Yiming like a drowning man seeing the last piece of straw. Even knowing salvation was unlikely, he couldn't help but cling to it.

Now, having received He Yiming’s conditional acceptance, the old man’s heart surged, and even the deathly pallor seemed to recede slightly at that moment. He had thought this hope was as elusive as mist, but once he grasped it, he realized it wasn't a straw at all—it was a log, a massive log. For a man who considered himself certainly doomed, this brought ecstatic joy.

Taking a deep breath, Shui Xuanjin declared, “As long as Brother He’s request does not involve the Yu family stepping down from the throne, I will agree to any condition on behalf of the Yu family.” Given his status and standing in Tianluo, he certainly had the authority to make such a pledge.

He Yiming nodded slightly. “Brother Shui, I am still young, and I still wish to travel the world and pursue the higher echelons of martial arts. Therefore, I cannot remain stationed in Tianluo for extended periods as you have. My condition is this: I can become the Protector Grand Master of Tianluo, but I must retain the right to travel freely.”

Shui Xuanjin was momentarily stunned, then nodded deeply. “Brother He, you are correct. Given your age, you are destined for greater achievements and truly should not be tied down to one place for long.” He paused in thought. “Brother He, I have a compromise. What do you think?”

“Please speak, Brother Shui.”

“Our Tianluo Kingdom is a vassal state of Ka উপেক্ষাng. As long as the Protector Grand Master gains their recognition, or at least their apprehension, Tianluo can continue to develop stably.” Shui Xuanjin’s expression grew serious. “If Brother He could personally travel to Ka উপেক্ষাng once, representing our Tianluo Kingdom to defeat any expert from their Grand Masters’ Hall, it would guarantee ten years of peace for Tianluo. Thereafter, as long as Brother He makes an appearance once every ten years to win a challenge in the Masters’ Hall, no one will dare provoke us frivolously, regardless of where you roam.”

He Yiming blinked, and his expression became wonderfully complex. “Brother Shui, you mean, defeating just one master from Ka উপেক্ষাng guarantees ten years of peace for Tianluo?”

“Precisely.” Shui Xuanjin’s eyes gleamed faintly. “That enlightenment from seven days ago should have greatly advanced Brother He’s cultivation; even I cannot ascertain your true strength now. If Brother He is willing to act, I believe you are certain to win.”

He Yiming’s gaze drifted toward a specific direction, his face displaying a smile that was not quite a smile. “Why go to such trouble? Isn't there a Protector Grand Master from Ka উপেক্ষাng right here?”

Shui Xuanjin’s expression changed, and he quickly said, “Brother He, do not be rash. Challenging the Masters’ Hall is the prerogative of us vassal states; it is through such challenges that the scale of tribute is determined. But challenging a Ka উপেক্ষাng master elsewhere would be deliberate provocation and would bring disaster upon the nation.” He paused. “Furthermore, although Cheng Fu is young, he is highly renowned in Ka উপেক্ষাng. He once ventured to the Southern Wilderness Archipelago and achieved an epiphany at the volcano. His strength is profoundly unfathomable. If Brother He heads to the Masters’ Hall in the future, it would be better to choose a different opponent.”

This person is young?

He Yiming let out a quiet laugh. Then he asked, “If we do not challenge, but they challenge us in return, using their status as Protector Grand Master?”

Shui Xuanjin was momentarily taken aback. “If that were the case, the outcome would naturally be the same as a result from the Masters’ Hall challenge.”

He Yiming nodded once, a look of inscrutable depth crossing his face, and then fell silent.

Shui Xuanjin hesitated, his gaze also flicking toward a certain direction. He seemed to have a sudden, dawning realization.

A single day seemed to pass in the blink of an eye.

As noon struck the following day, a clarion call from a horn suddenly pierced the air above the gardens. The sound was long and echoing, as hundreds of horns sounded simultaneously, carrying clearly even deep within the secluded mountains. A massive hourglass was placed before the assembled crowd. After the horns faded, a burly man pulled the stopper from the bottom, and grains of sand immediately began to swish downward. Moments later, people began trickling back from the gardens. Once the horns sounded, everyone who had entered the forest was required to return within one hour. If the sand in the hourglass completely drained before they arrived, they would forfeit their standing in the competition. While venturing deeper into the mountains promised greater rewards, lacking sufficient strength meant there would be no chance of returning safely within the allotted time. The first group to emerge were naturally those of the weakest capability, the young masters who had merely lingered within the garden boundaries. They lacked the prowess to venture into the deeper woods. Though they managed to snatch some small game, nothing they carried was worthy of a second glance. As time wore on, more and more formidable figures returned, their spoils growing increasingly dazzling. While the appearance of Spirit Beasts was out of the question, there was no shortage of ordinary ferocious beasts. He Yiming sighed inwardly. To successfully hunt these powerful beasts required not only high martial capability but also a certain level of mastery over the jungle environment. Of course, luck was the primary factor; a poor disposition meant that with so many people entering the mountains simultaneously, one might not even encounter a rabbit, let alone a true beast. Suddenly, the crowd stirred. Prince Zhan of Kai Rong and his entourage returned successfully. The five of them had secured three ferocious leopards and two Fox Bears. This achievement instantly drew gasps of awe. The ability to locate such beasts ahead of so many experts clearly demonstrated the group's formidable strength. A short while later, Yu Xiaoyi, He Quanxin, and others followed, also returning. Though their hauls were considerable, they paled slightly when set against Zhan Zhichao’s bounty, causing the faces of the citizens of Tianluo Kingdom to darken with concern. Yu Rupei, however, seemed utterly unfazed. He announced, “His Royal Highness the Third Prince is truly a dragon among men. For this hunt, the victory belongs to you.” A loud cheer erupted from the encampment of the Kai Rong Kingdom, while the expressions of Yu Xiaoyi and the others grew even more strained. Abruptly, Zhan Zhichao raised his hand, silencing the celebration. Following this gesture, a tall, imposing figure slowly emerged from one of the tents. The moment this individual appeared, all eyes were drawn to him. He radiated a presence like a colossal sun, constantly and universally broadcasting his own brilliance. He Yiming gently closed his eyes, his mind instantly sinking into a marvelous state of profound stillness, like an ancient, unrippled well. Cheng Fu walked steadily forward. With every step he took, the atmosphere throughout the entire garden instantly solidified. Yu Rupei could no longer maintain his composure; a faint, unsettling premonition began to stir in his heart. Cheng Fu finally stopped thirty meters before Yu Rupei. He looked up, head held high, his gaze, brilliant as the midday sun, locking firmly onto Shui Xuanjin. “On behalf of His Majesty of Kai Rong, I, Cheng, propose a wager: one-tenth of your nation's annual tribute for the next decade, in exchange for a challenge against your Kingdom's Grand Master Protector. I request Your Majesty’s assent.” The entire area outside the garden fell into absolute silence, so quiet that the drop of a pin could be heard. No one could have predicted that Cheng Fu would issue a challenge at this juncture, and one so utterly impossible to refuse. Everyone knew that if Shui Xuanjin were absent, the battle could easily be postponed. But now, facing such a direct summons, even if he were to fall in battle, there was absolutely no room for evasion. Shui Xuanjin offered a faint smile; he showed no surprise, as if this moment had long been anticipated. Under the gaze of countless onlookers, he slowly rose to his feet. Although he did not possess that intense, sunlight-like aura, the very instant he stood, an assurance settled upon the citizens of the Tianluo Kingdom, calming their fears. Shui Xuanjin had guarded Tianluo for a hundred years, and that intense, almost blind faith instantly spread through the crowd. However, only the ruler of Tianluo, Yu Rupei, and Shui Xuanjin’s eldest disciple, Xue Lie, maintained expressions of deep distress. Their fists were clenched tightly, and in their eyes flickered a trace of hidden, unrecognizable fear. At that very moment, a clear, resonant voice, like a cloud drifting unrestrained across the heavens, rang out. “If you seek battle, then battle you shall have…”

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