Though the third young master of the Zi family had been assassinated in the city, such an incident should hardly disturb Master Shui Xuanjin’s solitary cultivation. Thus, those residing here remained unaware. Even if they had known, given the status of Shaoming Residence, no one would have cared, nor would anyone have connected He Yiming to the affair.

He Yiming moved like a phantom, slipping effortlessly into Yuan Lixun's room. He found her gazing intently at an embroidered handkerchief in her hand, her face flushing faintly at times, her delicate eyebrows furrowing at others, as if harboring a multitude of thoughts.

Shaking his head slightly, he mused inwardly, Girls, truly prone to melancholy.

A soft cough brought Yuan Lixun instantly back to herself. She scrambled to her feet, hastily tucking the handkerchief into her bosom.

"What are you doing?" He Yiming asked with curiosity.

Yuan Lixun’s complexion showed a hint of bashfulness, and she spoke in a voice barely above a murmur, "I was looking at a memento left by my mother."

He Yiming instantly felt a surge of respect. He had accepted Yuan Lixun; consequently, her elders were now his elders as well. Yet, he wondered why gazing upon her mother's keepsake brought such a blush to her cheeks. He shook his head again, finding the workings of a girl’s heart too strange, entirely incomprehensible to him.

"Young Master, have you seen?" Seeing that He Yiming did not press the issue, Yuan Lixun let out a silent sigh of relief and quickly steered the conversation elsewhere.

He Yiming paused in contemplation. "Lixun, you must have been mistaken. There is no such person."

Yuan Lixun started. "Young Master, I—" She abruptly stopped, noticing He Yiming wink at her, a peculiar smile playing on his lips.

She hesitated, a flicker of understanding dawning in her eyes. "I understand. Indeed, there is no such person. I must have just been seeing things."

When Yuan Lixun first arrived at the He family manor, she habitually referred to herself as qieshen (a formal term for a wife addressing her husband). Over time spent with He Yiming, without anyone deliberately correcting the shift, they had naturally begun to use ni and wo (the more familiar 'you' and 'I'), as if by the confluence of destiny.

He Yiming chuckled lightly. "Lixun, you are cultivating the fifth level of the Water Element Technique, aren't you?"

Yuan Lixun’s cheeks reddened slightly, and she nodded softly.

To reach the fifth level of the Water Element Technique by the age of sixteen—this achievement, among the scions of great families, certainly ranked as mediocre.

He Yiming considered for a moment. "Lixun, I shall ask Elder Brother Shui for a few servants to attend to tasks."

Yuan Lixun’s expression changed instantly, the color draining completely from her face. She bit her lower lip lightly and lowered her head, murmuring in obedience, "Yes, Young Master. I... I obey."

He Yiming waved his hands quickly. "Lixun, that is not what I meant." A flurry of thoughts spun in his mind as he hurried to explain: "What I mean is, while I am cultivating, it would be best if you stayed by my side. That should speed up the progress of your inner strength. As for the trivial matters of attendance, leave those to the actual servants. I want your inner strength to break through to the sixth level, or even higher, as quickly as possible."

Yuan Lixun looked at He Yiming in astonishment. At this moment, countless halos seemed to have suddenly fallen away from him.

He no longer appeared to be that revered Xiantian Master who commanded awe; he was merely a raw, sixteen-year-old youth. That nascent tenderness, which seemed long shed, had returned to him once more.

As if grasping some realization, Yuan Lixun lowered her head again, emitting a soft, shy hum from her delicate nose that even the keenest Shunfenger would barely catch.

However, unlike before, her face was once again flushed with an intoxicating blush that invited vivid speculation.

The city was deep into midsummer. The leaves on the shaded trees rustled, and the midday heat began to press down. Men and women in the city had donned their summer attire, and the entire Tianluo Kingdom seemed vibrant with life.

One day, several swift horses suddenly arrived before Shaoming Residence. The servants stationed at the gate initially paid them no mind, but upon hearing the identity of the visitors, they immediately shed their arrogance and became cautiously attentive.

Subsequently, He Yiming, who was cultivating alongside Yuan Lixun, made an unprecedented exception and went out to greet them—a courtesy never afforded even to the King of Tianluo.

Outside the manor stood two elders, their complexions ruddy and their spirits vigorous. Behind them, He Quanxin and his son accompanied them, both beaming broadly.

"Grandfather, Master Bao, you have both arrived," He Yiming called out joyfully as he rushed forward. His gaze swept over He Laibao, and his face lit up with delight. "Congratulations, Master Bao! Congratulations, Grandfather!"

He Laibao laughed heartily, his face alight with happiness.

He Wude stroked his beard and nodded, then suddenly asked, "Of course, Laibao deserves congratulations, but what are you congratulating me for?"

He Yiming immediately straightened up solemnly. "Grandfather, was your greatest wish not to develop our He Family Manor? The manor already has you and Eldest Uncle, both experts at the tenth level of inner strength. Now, with Master Bao joining, doesn't that make three?"

Only then did He Wude burst into hearty laughter. "Yiming, I haven't seen you since you reached the Xiantian realm, yet your mouth is still so sweet."

He Yitian stepped forward. "Sixth Brother, our He Family Manor doesn't just have three experts at the tenth level of inner strength; we also have you, a Xiantian powerhouse."

He Wude and the others nodded vigorously. Without He Yiming, let alone acquiring those Limit Golden Cores, the elites of the He Family Manor would likely have been wiped out entirely when hunting the Golden Crown Python initially.

He Yiming ushered everyone into his courtyard, where newly arrived maids promptly served the finest fragrant tea.

This duty had previously belonged to Yuan Lixun, but since He Yiming’s last return, he had forcefully relieved her of it, insisting she only accompany him in cultivation.

These maids were transferred from other courtyards within Shaoming Residence. Given He Yiming's current status, such minor requests would see countless people vying to serve him if he only spoke the word.

The guests had barely settled when Master Shui Xuanjin entered with loud laughter.

Upon learning Master Shui’s identity, He Wude and the others immediately became more reserved. Although He Yiming was also a Xiantian Master, he was, after all, their younger relative. Master Shui, however, was an old man over two hundred years of age; that age alone pressed down upon their hearts like a heavy mountain.

Seemingly sensing their discomfort, Master Shui only stayed a short while before taking his leave, leaving the joy of family reunion for He Yiming.

He Yiming naturally understood that for a figure of Master Shui's stature to personally come here to meet his grandfather was an immense show of respect. Seeing the excitement on his elders' faces, he knew the profound status attained in their hearts simply by earning the regard of a Xiantian expert. Thus, he felt sincere gratitude for the old master's gesture.

After Master Shui departed, the group returned to their unrestrained manner. He Wude pondered for a long moment, gazing at the maids surrounding them. "Yiming, I have some things I wish to discuss with you."

He Yiming understood immediately and spoke quietly, "All of you may withdraw. We require no further service here."

The maids, having received the best training, bowed in unison and retired in an orderly fashion. He Wude and the others showed expressions of satisfaction, thinking that the maids of a grand family were indeed exceptional—a caliber their own servants at the He Family Manor could never match.

Yuan Lixun hesitated, about to leave, when she suddenly felt a firm grip on her wrist. He Yiming pulled her back, smiling. "Lixun, you are not an outsider. Why leave?"

Yuan Lixun’s face flushed slightly. Feeling the gazes of He Wude and the others upon her, she felt a deep sense of self-consciousness, lowering her head so as not to look at anyone. Yet, within her heart bloomed a marvelous sensation.

He Wude smiled gently. Although Yuan Lixun’s current standing could not compare to He Yiming’s, she was still the granddaughter of an old friend of many years. Seeing that she had truly won He Yiming’s sincere affection, he was secretly delighted for them both.

"Yiming, Laibao and I have already discussed it. Since he has successfully advanced to the tenth level of inner strength, it is time for us to return to Heng Mountain."

He Yiming glanced toward his great-uncle and elder brother. His great-uncle wore a pleasant smile, but Elder Brother Yitian looked utterly bewildered—clearly, his grandfather and the others had not informed him.

Smiling faintly, He Yiming said, "Brother Yitian, there is something I only recently learned myself."

He recounted the origins of He Wude and He Laibao, though he concealed the true reason they were cast out, stating only that they had broken a sect rule, necessitating their departure from Heng Mountain.

He Yitian was left thunderstruck, as was Yuan Lixun beside him. When she learned that He Yiming would be accompanying He Wude and Laibao to Heng Mountain, her expression shifted slightly.

He Yitian’s eyes flashed with indignation. "Sixth Brother, when you go to Heng Mountain with Grandfather this time, you must bring him honor! Teach a severe lesson to anyone who dares to look down upon him!"

He Wude looked both amused and distressed. "Yitian, stop making trouble."

The old man sighed deeply. "Before Yiming advanced to Xiantian, I often pondered how to make those people regret the humiliation they inflicted upon us brothers decades ago. But..." He paused, then continued, "After speaking frankly with Yiming last time and laying the matter bare, Laibao and I have resolved our lingering resentments. After all, we belonged to the same sect; perhaps it is best to let some things go."

He Yitian’s eyes widened. "Grandfather, how can you say that? Didn't you always teach us that one must clearly distinguish between kindness and enmity?"

A complex emotion, a mix of shame and sadness, flickered across He Wude’s face.

"Yitian, Laibao and I had a long talk before this journey. If I hadn't been the first to err, they absolutely would not have been so merciless." The old man gave a wry smile. "I extinguished the only glimmer of hope they had. If I were in their shoes, I doubt I would have behaved any better."

He Quanxin and He Yiming exchanged a look. Knowing the truth, they immediately understood what He Wude’s words implied. Had the Xiantian Golden Core been refined, it would certainly have been administered to one of He Wude’s numerous fellow disciples. While it might not necessarily have been reserved for him, it represented a possibility. But when the dream of the Golden Core shattered, it was tantamount to having their own dreams of reaching Xiantian brutally destroyed. Under such circumstances, it was somewhat understandable that they could not control their reactions.

He Laibao also nodded slightly. "For many years, the Old Master and I dwelled on the final harsh words of our former sect brothers. But only after Yiming stepped into the Xiantian realm did our hearts truly let go. There was a cause for their actions; we cannot truly blame them."

A look of sudden comprehension crossed He Yitian’s face. At this juncture, he realized that the sect rule his grandfather had broken must have been significant. However, as a junior, he felt too awkward to inquire about the exact nature of the mistake. And judging by his father’s demeanor, he likely wouldn't volunteer the information either.

He Wude gently stroked his long beard. "Yiming, Laibao and I have come to terms with the past. While we hope you might join Heng Mountain and offer a small measure of service to our school, the final decision rests entirely with you. If you truly do not wish to, then so be it."

He Yiming smiled wryly. "Grandfather, does the Heng Mountain lineage you speak of have a tradition spanning thousands of years?"

"That is correct. Heng Mountain has been passed down for three thousand years," He Wude stated proudly. In his heart, Heng Mountain, where he had lived for forty years, remained his eternal pride, even after his expulsion.

"How rich is the collection of books within Heng Mountain?"

"Extremely."

"If I join, will I be able to peruse them freely?"

"You are already a Xiantian Master. Even within Heng Mountain, you would be among the highest-ranking figures. You naturally possess that authorization."

He Yiming spread his hands. "Grandfather, given such generous conditions, why would I refuse?"

The smile on He Wude’s face began to spread. He well knew that He Yiming had reached the Xiantian realm before the age of twenty, achieving it without consuming any Golden Cores. Such a talent would be the most coveted prize for any sect he might join; no school would refuse such genius, for everyone knew that He Yiming’s progress on the Martial Dao was far from finished. He had chosen Heng Mountain, of course, due to his own personal reasons.

"Good, Yiming. Since you have made your decision, prepare yourself. We set off with me," He Wude stood up straight. "We depart tomorrow morning."

The old man and He Quanxin left quickly. Despite their special status, they dared not reside alongside a Xiantian Master and found it more comfortable to stay at the Royal Manor.

After they departed, Yuan Lixun suddenly spoke, "Young Master."

He Yiming turned back, his face impassive. "Yes?"

"I..." Yuan Lixun met his gaze and suddenly felt a flicker of unease. She lowered her voice. "Young Master, I wish to go with you too."

He Yiming frowned. "What shall we do? It seems Heng Mountain does not accept female disciples."

Seeing He Yiming’s troubled expression, Yuan Lixun’s eyes grew slightly red. "I am not going to study martial arts, but to attend to you. Is that not acceptable?"

He Yiming hastily replied, "Yes, yes, of course, it is acceptable."

Yuan Lixun paused, looking at He Yiming in surprise, unable to fathom why his attitude had changed so drastically.

He Yiming blinked twice. "Lixun, even if you hadn't said so, I would have taken you. I would be unaccustomed without you there."

Yuan Lixun froze for a moment, then suddenly understood. Her face turned crimson, and she chided him coquettishly, "Young Master..."

He Yiming burst into laughter and bolted away. "Lixun, I must first go inform Master Shui. I will see you later."

Watching He Yiming flee as if running for his life, Yuan Lixun found it highly amusing. After spending time together, she realized that only in front of his family did He Yiming reveal this uninhibited side, like a genuine sixteen-year-old boy. In front of outsiders, he was the exalted, limitless Xiantian Master.

So, in his heart, she truly had become his family.

With this thought, Yuan Lixun felt both pride and comfort, mingled with a touch of apprehension and a quickening heartbeat. A feeling known as happiness welled up inside her. She seemed to finally understand what her mother had strived so hard for in life...

"Brother He, since you intend to go to Heng Mountain, this old fellow certainly will not object. However, once we part today, I fear we may never meet again," Shui Xuanjin sighed deeply.

He Yiming remained silent. He didn't know how long this departure would last, nor how many years Shui Xuanjin had left in his lifespan.

Shui Xuanjin shook his head. "Brother He, I only hope you will always remember the Ten-Year Pact. Then I can depart in peace."

He Yiming nodded solemnly. "Brother, rest assured, I would never forget such a matter. But perhaps it won't take ten years; within two or three years, I will certainly need to descend the mountain once."

Shui Xuanjin's face immediately brightened with joy, and he laughed. "Good. Although my lifespan is short, two or three years is certainly manageable. When we meet again, I shall still treat you to a drink."

He Yiming looked at the ruddy-faced elder, knowing that besides himself, few others were aware that his life was as fleeting and fragile as a candle in the wind. A trace of sadness flashed in his eyes, and a peculiar thought crossed his mind.

Human lifespans were truly short; even a powerhouse at the Hundred Sun Heaven level only lived for about two hundred years. Yet spirit beasts lived for hundreds of years as a matter of course. He wondered if humanity, through constant cultivation, could ever surpass those powerful, naturally birthed spirit beasts in longevity.

Ps: Another chapter in two minutes ^_^