This disparity wasn't merely reflected in the sheer expanse of territory or the standard of living among the populace; even the proficiency of cultivators between the two lands seemed to show a discernible gap.
Consequently, the official language of the Great Shen enjoyed widespread favor among the great clans of the Northwest, with esteemed families boasting legacies exceeding a century maintaining dedicated instructors to impart this very knowledge.
In stark contrast, the He Family Fortress in Taicang County lagged significantly behind.
Although He Yiming’s own skill level was hardly impressive, Yuan Lixun, at least, possessed considerable ability. When He Yiming transcribed the text from the blueprints and handed it over to her, she translated the contents with surprising ease.
Huhhot Mountain…
This was the name of the most crucial peak marked on the map.
The library pavilion at Hengshan housed nearly a hundred thousand volumes; truly, one wondered how the esteemed seniors and masters of Hengshan had managed to amass such a collection.
It was here, unexpectedly, that Yuan Lixun discovered legends pertaining to Huhhot Mountain, alongside surrounding maps.
When she presented one such map to He Yiming, his eyes immediately lit up. The topographical depiction resembled, in striking fashion, the map he had obtained from Lü Xinwen.
Of course, differences existed due to varying scales and the distinct hands that drew them.
Yet, He Yiming was now certain: Huhhot Mountain was absolutely the target he sought.
This colossal peak resided in an infrequently trod corner of Kai Rong Kingdom, much like Hengshan itself, concealed within a seemingly endless stretch of mountain ranges.
He Yiming meticulously copied every place name from the map and, having successfully translated them, now held a general outline in his mind. All that remained was to delve deeper when the time came to venture into the Kai Rong Kingdom.
“Young Master, may we commence with your lessons for today?” Yuan Lixun asked, closing the book with a gentle smile.
He Yiming sighed softly and nodded his assent.
Yuan Lixun retrieved the pre-prepared texts, her slender jade fingers lightly tracing the characters as she began to instruct him in the script of the Great Shen.
The time spent with Yuan Lixun was profoundly pleasant, and such joyous moments were invariably fleeting.
Soon enough, the day’s studies concluded, and He Yiming had successfully internalized several new phrases and usages.
Once everything was settled, He Yiming escorted her back toward Spirit Medicine Peak.
Although Spirit Medicine Peak lay adjacent to the main peak, returning at Yuan Lixun’s own pace required a measurable amount of time; in He Yiming’s embrace, however, that transit speed was incomparable.
After setting Yuan Lixun down outside her courtyard, He Yiming continued onward toward the summit to see the Medicine Daoist. Yuan Lixun, meanwhile, went inside alone; she needed to prepare the evening meal and could not remain constantly by He Yiming’s side.
Moments later, He Yiming entered the cave dwelling atop the mountain. His gaze immediately caught sight of an open stone door. Stepping inside, he saw the medicinal herbs already laid out on the floor.
These herbs had been arranged beforehand by the Medicine Daoist, allowing him to commence alchemy immediately upon arrival.
He briefly examined the ingredients, then picked up the uppermost sheet of paper.
This was the task assigned by the Medicine Daoist. While the preparation time for today’s pill was not long, its inherent difficulty represented a significant upward step from previous compounds.
The name of this particular elixir was strikingly simple: Insect Repelling Pill. When used, merely dissolving a tiny amount in water and sprinkling it over a person would send most common insects scurrying away in terror.
This pill appeared straightforward, but its refinement was far from easy, especially since misjudging the proportions of several rare floral components would result in an elixir possessing an excruciating stench. Such a concoction might prove even more potent against insects, but it would guarantee zero human usability.
He Yiming squatted down, meticulously inspecting the herbs. After a moment, a look of satisfied amusement surfaced in his eyes.
Though his experience meant his ability to distinguish and identify medicinal properties could not rival a true master alchemist, he possessed his own unique methodology.
By merely allowing his hand to lightly brush against an ingredient, he could sense the vitality contained within it.
This method of quality assessment was a privilege afforded to a Wood Element Innate Master paired with He Yiming’s peculiar constitution; even the Medicine Daoist himself was far inferior in this specific aspect.
The herbs prepared by the Medicine Daoist were all of superior quality, their vitality brimming with a fullness unmatched by other samples of the same type.
He lifted the ingredients, then, following a specific sequence, slowly introduced them into the bronze cauldron within the alchemy chamber. Bathed in the infused liquid, the herbs began to undergo subtle, gradual transformations. After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, He Yiming kicked lightly, opening the gate to the Earth Fire. The mighty power of the subterranean flames once again raged within the chamber.
Once the formal refinement began, the casual smile vanished entirely from He Yiming’s face; he immediately devoted his entire focus to the task.
Within his body, two distinct cultivation techniques ran concurrently: the Innate Withered Wood Art, and the Innate Raging Fire Art.
The might of the Raging Fire Art was naturally unstoppable, like a wildfire spreading across a plain. More importantly, this technique offered distinct efficacy in mastering the Earth Fire.
As He Yiming channeled this method, the temperature of the Earth Fire indeed shifted according to his will. His body’s acupoints emitted a reddish energy, seemingly capable of illuminating even the chaotic darkness.
This technique—controlling the Earth Fire’s temperature via acupoints and cultivation—was learned directly from watching the Medicine Daoist. Although he had observed it several times previously and inquired about certain points, this was the first time he applied it to the path of alchemy.
Before today, the elixirs the Medicine Daoist tasked him with refining were exceedingly simple, requiring no minute regulation of the fire's intensity; the nine settings on the pagoda-like switch below were sufficient for control. However, today’s advanced Insect Repelling Pill was perfectly suited as his first true exercise.
Alongside the Raging Fire Art, the Innate Withered Wood Art operated simultaneously, the two complementing each other in flawless balance.
An hour later, a pleased smile bloomed on He Yiming’s face. He gave a sharp kick, extinguishing the Earth Fire, and then called out loudly, “Elder Medicine, how do you judge my work?”
From beyond the open stone door, the Medicine Daoist walked in slowly. His gaze bypassed the bronze cauldron before He Yiming, settling instead on the younger man as he sighed deeply. “Elder He, your method of fire control bears a striking resemblance to my own. Where did you learn it?”
He Yiming smiled faintly. “Why, from observing you, Elder.”
The Medicine Daoist looked doubtful. “But I distinctly recall never having taught you.”
He Yiming paused momentarily. “You jest, Elder. Was it not after you refined the Innate Golden Core last time that I sought your guidance on this very matter?”
The expression on the Medicine Daoist’s face flickered through several changes before he finally spoke. “Elder He, did you perhaps grasp the key principles merely from that single observation and the questions you posed?”
He Yiming blinked twice, maintaining a serious expression. “This thing is actually quite easy to learn, Elder. There aren’t really any secrets. It’s just gathering firewood and making a fire; one should be able to master it after just one viewing.”
The muscles in the Medicine Daoist’s face twitched subtly. On his countenance, which belied his actual age, shades of green and red warred. Hearing He Yiming liken the control of the Innate Raging Fire Art to the mundane act of chopping wood for a fire, he wasn't sure whether to feel insulted or simply mournful.
In the Medicine Daoist’s estimation, even if he had taught He Yiming everything without reservation, the disciple would still require decades of rigorous practice to initially master the fire control techniques of the Innate Raging Fire Art. Yet, observing him now, He Yiming was already operating with a convincing semblance of skill. While his technique still possessed a slight awkwardness, lacking the Daoist’s seasoned finesse and fluid control, it was undeniably traceable back to his own lineage of fire control. A few more practice sessions, and reaching parity would merely be a matter of time.
After a long silence, the Medicine Daoist let out another deep sigh. He finally understood: He Yiming’s almost legendary talent wasn't confined merely to Wood Element techniques; his aptitude for Fire Element cultivation was proving to be equally exceptional.
Extending his hand, the Medicine Daoist firmly clapped He Yiming on the shoulder. “Elder He, with talent this extraordinary, it would be a terrible waste not to dedicate yourself wholeheartedly to the path of alchemy.”
He Yiming chuckled sheepishly. Seeing the Medicine Daoist’s expression, he faintly guessed that his effortless acquisition of the fire control method had been quite a blow to the elder. He sighed inwardly; had he known, he perhaps would not have utilized the Innate Raging Fire Art.
Lifting the lid of the bronze cauldron, ten or so white pills tumbled slightly within.
The Medicine Daoist glanced over. “Flawless.”
He Yiming nodded with evident satisfaction. Having the Innate Master status with both Wood and Fire elements certainly granted him an immense advantage in alchemy.
However, he failed to realize that, outside of himself, other Innate Masters possessing both Wood and Fire elements, while enjoying advantages unreachable by ordinary people in alchemy, could never achieve results as exaggerated as his own.
After receiving the Medicine Daoist’s commendation, He Yiming sought clarification on a few more points before departing happily.
Behind him, the Medicine Daoist could not help but heave long, mournful sighs. Spending too much time alongside a true genius proved overwhelmingly disheartening for others, particularly those who had previously considered themselves prodigies.
※※※※
He Yiming returned to his courtyard, his eyes registering a flicker of surprise.
He stepped through the doorway. Everything inside appeared normal, devoid of any overt disturbance, yet inexplicably, He Yiming felt a sharp spike of unease.
The slight smile that had touched his lips vanished completely, replaced by an expression of grim seriousness.
His gaze swept the surroundings, and his two ears twitched rapidly and subtly. Then, his expression finally shifted.
He could not locate any trace of Yuan Lixun within the courtyard.
In recent times, He Yiming’s routine had settled into a fixed pattern: visiting the main peak’s library for reading, returning to the Spirit Medicine Peak cave dwelling to complete the alchemy homework assigned by the Medicine Daoist, and then coming home to dine and practice martial arts alongside Yuan Lixun.
Every day, upon returning from the alchemy chamber, he expected to see Yuan Lixun’s bright smile and a meal perfectly suited to his palate.
But today, having returned early, all of it was absent.
His form blurred, moving like a flash of lightning through the various rooms. Yet, after one circuit, his face grew increasingly shadowed.
He discovered that items in several rooms appeared to have been disturbed. The intruder had been exceptionally careful, leaving almost no obvious flaws. However, given He Yiming’s acuity, he discerned minute irregularities from the slightest traces of dust.
Whoever had tampered with the contents of these rooms, it boded no good, and He Yiming’s sense of disquiet intensified.
After a moment of contemplation, he swiftly retrieved his broad Guan Dao from its resting place on the wall, then turned and left the courtyard, reaching his grandfather’s residence on Spirit Medicine Peak within moments.
Faced with this sudden appearance, He Wude naturally greeted him with a happy smile. Despite the almost supernatural aura surrounding his grandson’s entrance, it did not diminish his affection.
He Wude was currently living alone; He Laibao had been dispatched, under his orders, to leave Hengshan and travel to the He Family Village.
His mission was to bring He Quanxin to Hengshan and accelerate his advancement to the Innate realm as quickly as possible.
Having secured the Innate Golden Core, both elders were eager, and ascending to the Innate realm sooner was always better; they were unwilling to waste any time.
“Grandfather, has Lixun visited you?”
“No,” He Wude confirmed solidly. “What has happened?”
“Lixun is gone,” He Yiming stated grimly. “I have a very bad feeling.”
He Wude’s expression immediately hardened. If Yuan Lixun had merely wandered off, it would be less concerning, but when He Yiming developed a sense of foreboding, He Wude dared not take it lightly.
After all, Innate Realm experts possessed the ability to commune with the ambient energy of heaven and earth; when they felt an intuitive stir, it almost invariably signaled an impending negative event.
“Yiming, calm yourself,” He Wude advised. Since their last meeting, He Wude had ascertained that Yuan Lixun’s status in He Yiming’s heart likely surpassed that of a mere concubine. If something truly untoward had occurred, his grandson would certainly not let the matter rest.
He Yiming nodded slightly, taking a deep breath. The cool mountain air filled his lungs, finally settling his agitated heart.
As he achieved perfect stillness, his mind became as clear and flawless as a crystal diamond bead.
In that moment, he entered a marvelous, ineffable state.
Perhaps due to worry, perhaps due to anger, his spirit was concentrated to a degree unprecedented before.
He Wude, standing before him, watched his grandson in astonishment. He sensed that the young man was somehow different from moments before, but he couldn't articulate precisely what had changed.
He Yiming’s ears twitched slightly, the frequency not rapid, but the efficiency far surpassing his previous capabilities.
Only now did He Yiming realize that there was still vast untapped potential within himself, connected to the cultivation methods he practiced.
However, he had no capacity to ponder this aspect at the moment; all his attention was channeled through his ears.
Slowly, every sound carried by the wind flowed into his awareness, and the effective range expanded at a terrifying rate.
This was the first time he had deployed the 'Wind Following Ear' skill to its absolute limit since arriving at Hengshan. Previously, constrained by the presence of the Medicine Daoist and others, he dared not use such wide-ranging abilities freely, but now, he held nothing back.
He abruptly noticed that the scope he could perceive now far exceeded the limits he had reached in the Imperial Capital of Tian Luo Kingdom.
He understood immediately: this was the achievement derived from his last moment of enlightenment.
Unconsciously, his hearing, guided by the currents of the natural wind, had begun to monitor the entire mountain.
He could faintly perceive the Medicine Daoist on the summit, his face full of puzzlement, the intimate chatter of a couple in some distant residence, and even the sound of earthworms inching along in a nearby vegetable patch.
At this instant, he was struck by a sudden sensation akin to being a living deity—if he wished to know something, nothing could remain concealed from him…
Finally, a voice drifted to him from a distance.
This sound was incredibly faint, almost a breathy whisper, yet the implication carried within it resonated like a thunderclap in He Yiming’s ears.
“The Yuan family woman has been secured and placed in the cave. We must hurry; if that man returns from refining his pills, there might be trouble.”
He Yiming’s eyebrows lifted slightly, an action immediately noticed by He Wude. The elder, reacting with characteristic speed, asked, “A clue? Take me with you.”
Without a word, He Yiming reached out and pulled, channeling a surge of True Qi. It enveloped them, launching them forward like two great birds in flight.
Augmented by He Yiming’s True Qi, the two landed without a sound, vanishing toward the foot of the mountain in an instant.
Even while bearing He Wude, He Yiming’s speed remained lightning-fast, yet his movements were exquisitely gentle, resembling nothing more than a passing breeze, scarcely noticeable.
Moments later, the pair had arrived at the base of the mountain without anyone knowing.
At this point, He Yiming felt completely reassured, for he distinctly heard a familiar sound of breathing emanating from a cave.
Although the breathing indicated Yuan Lixun was unconscious, he was absolutely certain she had sustained no injury whatsoever.
Two steady sets of footsteps sounded, and then two figures walked side-by-side into the cave. He Yiming hesitated, choosing not to strike immediately, but instead fixing the visages of the two firmly in his memory.
They were two women, perhaps in their late forties or early fifties. One of them possessed a cultivation base reaching the tenth layer of the Houtian realm; though not quite at the pinnacle like He Wude, she was close.
Ps: Just arrived at the hotel and posting the chapter immediately. I saw the book reviews yesterday, sigh… Bai He was not deliberately late with the update; it was genuinely impossible during the annual meeting period. To be frank, for the last two days, Bai He has been writing until three or four in the morning, sleeping in the carriage during the day. It is likely that updates will still be late tomorrow and the day after, returning to normal only the day after tomorrow. Therefore, to all the brothers and sisters who placed high hopes on Bai He, I sincerely say: I apologize, please forgive me!!!