He Yiming's heart stirred. He immediately asked, "Grandfather, do you know who they are?"

"The two of them are disciples from Spirit Medicine Peak, a generation below me." He Wude hesitated for a moment, then said, "Their father was an old friend of mine."

A sharp glint flashed in He Yiming's eyes as he said, "Grandfather, you consider them friends, but they might not consider you one."

He Wude wanted to speak but stopped, as if recalling memories from the past. Forty years ago, when he was expelled from the sect, very few people truly cared about him. Although the elders of these two women were also fellow disciples on Spirit Medicine Peak, their connection was nowhere near his own with He Wujin, and they certainly hadn't given him any warm reception.

The conversation between the grandfather and grandson was extremely quiet and concealed outside the cave. Although the two women were sharp and cautious, cunning as foxes, they could never have imagined that He Yiming possessed an earth-shattering divine ability like Clairaudience, enabling him to overhear their conversation from such a distance.

After entering the cave, the two women exchanged a glance. Simultaneously, they both produced and donned a bamboo hat. Then, one woman pulled out a jade vial from her robes, uncorked it, and waved it a few times beneath Yuan Lixun’s nose.

Seeing their action, He Yiming felt an inexplicable sense of relief, knowing they didn't harbor much murderous intent; otherwise, they wouldn't have disguised themselves this way, intentionally hiding their faces from Yuan Lixun.

The odor from the vial was clearly unpleasant, so even in her unconscious state, Yuan Lixun wrinkled her delicate, refined nose before slowly awakening.

He Yiming mused inwardly, As expected of Spirit Medicine Peak disciples; they even possess such a high-grade knockout drug. However, for an innate master at the tenth level of Inner Strength to resort to using such a thing against a young woman with only the sixth level of Inner Strength showed just how cautious and prudent these two women were.

Yuan Lixun opened her eyes, a flicker of confusion passing through them.

Despite her exceptional intelligence, ever since accompanying He Yiming, she had been fawned over wherever she went. Especially on Spirit Medicine Peak, where even a peak tenth-level Inner Strength master like He Wujin dared not put on airs of seniority in front of her.

Thus, for a moment, she couldn't connect her unconsciousness with being abducted.

However, as she finally became completely clear-headed and took in the surrounding environment with her bright, agile eyes, she began to understand. At the same time, a trace of panic was unavoidable in her gaze.

After all, she was just a young girl. Even with a powerful protector like He Yiming, suddenly finding herself trapped in such an environment naturally caused unavoidable alarm.

"Little girl, you are quite clever; you've saved this old man a lot of talking."

A wizened, aged male voice emerged from one of the bamboo-hatted women. Both of their robes were excessively thick and loose, and coupled with the hats obscuring their faces and heads, their identities were completely concealed. If He Yiming and his grandfather hadn't already known who they were, they might have been misled after hearing this statement.

Yuan Lixun forced a faint smile onto her face. "Seniors, I am a stranger to you. Have you mistaken me for someone else?"

Although she knew this possibility was slim, at this moment, she seemed to have no choice but to stall for time.

"Hmph, the two of us do not make mistakes," the aged voice continued. "We abducted you here to ask you one thing. If you tell us frankly, we will naturally let you go."

Yuan Lixun started slightly, but there was little joy in her eyes.

Setting aside how trustworthy the man’s words were, the question itself was probably not easy to answer.

"I wonder what the Senior wishes to inquire about. I am merely an ignorant young woman; I might not be able to satisfy the Senior."

The aged voice let out a few cold laughs. "You haven't even heard my question and are already answering this way—clearly, you intend to stall."

Yuan Lixun's expression shifted a few times, and she lowered her head. "This junior would not dare."

Just as that person was about to speak, the other one made a gesture. Realization dawned, and the first one snapped angrily, "What a little brat, daring to delay me!"

Yuan Lixun inwardly cried out in distress but maintained an expression of confusion.

The person snorted coldly. "I don't care if you're feigning ignorance. You just need to know this: if you wish to live, you must honestly tell me where He Yiming hid that Xiantian Golden Elixir!"

He Yiming and his grandfather, outside the cave, and Yuan Lixun, inside, finally understood. It was clearly a case of 'possessing treasure invites calamity.' He Yiming further realized that the two women must have searched several rooms while he and Yuan Lixun were absent, but having found nothing, they turned their attention to Yuan Lixun.

He Yiming's eyebrows twitched slightly, and he stood up. Since he knew the intentions of these two women, there was no need to listen further.

However, at that moment, He Wude reached out and pulled him back, halting his movement.

Looking over with suspicion, he heard the old man whisper low, "See how Lixun replies."

He Yiming frowned slightly. "Grandfather, why do this?"

He Wude gave him a deep look. "I want to see if she is capable of being a wife to the He family and if she is worthy of you."

He Yiming paused slightly, then revealed a determined smile, saying softly, "Grandfather, I trust her."

Inside the cave, the person suddenly emitted a powerful, spine-chilling killing aura. When a tenth-level Inner Strength master unleashes their full momentum, it is far beyond what a mere sixth-level Inner Strength young woman can withstand.

"I know He Yiming is refining elixirs and will return soon, so you shouldn't dream of stalling," the person's voice was ice-cold. "Both you and we only have one chance. You better think clearly. If we go up and don't get the item, I guarantee you will regret ever being born a woman."

Yuan Lixun's face finally couldn't hold its composure, and a hint of despair appeared in her eyes.

The increasingly cold voice continued, "Don't tell me he carries the elixir with him. If that's your answer, you can imagine your fate."

Yuan Lixun's lips trembled, and she said in a shaky voice, "I, I am just an insignificant concubine to him; how would I know the whereabouts of the Xiantian Golden Elixir? You really have the wrong person."

The person let out a loud laugh. "There is only one quarter of an hour left. If this time passes, even if you speak the truth, we will no longer go up." Her voice turned cold. "We are unwilling to confront a Xiantian expert face-to-face."

Yuan Lixun finally gritted her teeth and said, "Fine, I will tell you, but you must promise to let me go once you have the information."

The person's voice immediately softened. "Don't worry, we don't intend to take your life. As long as the Golden Elixir is secured, we will ensure you are unharmed."

Outside the cave, a sharp, cold gleam flashed in He Wude's eyes.

Yuan Lixun took a deep breath. "Young Master has sent the Golden Elixir to Old Master; it should probably be on Old Master."

He Yiming and He Wude both started. They exchanged a look, both showing expressions that were both rueful and amused.

Yuan Lixun was also clever. Seeing that these two dared not face He Yiming directly, they certainly weren't true Xiantian experts. Since that was the case, she pushed the location of the Golden Elixir onto He Wude.

Although He Wude wasn't a Xiantian expert, he was at the peak of the tenth level of Inner Strength—a cultivator only second to Xiantian masters. No matter how skilled those two women were, it wouldn't be easy for them to scheme against He Wude. Furthermore, once He Yiming discovered Yuan Lixun's disappearance, they would certainly raise their guard, making any ambush on He Wude nearly impossible.

Inside the cave, the two women exchanged glances. Having lived on Spirit Medicine Peak, they naturally knew the relationship between He Yiming and his grandfather. At this point, they felt the statement was credible. However, for them, it made little difference whether the Golden Elixir was on He Yiming or He Wude.

The person snorted angrily. "So, you're saying we won't be able to obtain the Golden Elixir?"

Yuan Lixun trembled; she could already discern the implication, but she persisted, "Though Elder He holds the Golden Elixir, he might not keep it on him at all times. Moreover, the Elder likes to move about frequently. If you hurry now, perhaps you can still find the Golden Elixir in his room."

The person immediately fell silent. Yuan Lixun's suggestion was indeed highly tempting to her.

However, at that very moment, the other woman let out a long sigh. "Second Sister, no need to ask further." With that, she casually removed her bamboo hat, revealing her true face.

The woman who had been using the ventriloquism was startled, hesitated for a moment, and also removed her hat.

Yuan Lixun’s face grew even paler. If these two hadn't removed their hats, she might have had a sliver of hope, but the way they acted now clearly signaled their intention to kill her.

At this point, the fear in Yuan Lixun's eyes could no longer be suppressed.

"Little girl, do you want to know who we are?"

Yuan Lixun forced a strained smile. "Do I have any other choice?"

The tenth-level Inner Strength woman smiled slightly. "This old body is Gu Qiying, and this is my sworn sister, Bei Youhui."

Yuan Lixun nodded to them as a greeting, but countless thoughts spun rapidly in her mind. No matter how hard she racked her brain, she couldn't figure out a way to hold them off.

"Big Sister, maybe we should try our luck," Bei Youhui sighed softly, a hint of regret in her voice. Having revealed her true face and name, she understood that this seemingly clever and lovable young girl could not be spared.

Gu Qiying still wore a pleasant smile, but her eyes were icy cold. "Second Sister, do you think what she said is the truth?"

Bei Youhui started slightly. "You see a flaw?"

"No," Gu Qiying said indifferently. "I don't know if what this little girl said is true, but regardless, we can no longer obtain that Xiantian Golden Elixir."

Bei Youhui seemed about to speak but stopped, clearly unwilling to give up.

Gu Qiying's expression darkened. "Second Sister, He Yiming is a Xiantian expert. Such a person is too formidable. If even the slightest trace falls into his eyes, we will never be able to hide again." She looked up toward the cave entrance, her expression grim. "According to the usual pattern, even if He Yiming hasn't finished his elixir refinement training, it's almost time. We cannot risk it; not even a little bit."

Bei Youhui sighed in disappointment and finally fell silent.

Gu Qiying turned back, and the previous harmonious look on her face was replaced by a ferocious expression. "Little girl, I don't care if you lied, but I am furious that I cannot get the Xiantian Golden Elixir, so I must take it out on you."

Meeting this person's gaze, Yuan Lixun immediately felt her blood run cold; she was utterly desperate.

Previously, she could have tried to exploit the greed of these two to seek a final chance at survival, but she hadn't expected this person to be so cautious, unwilling to risk even the slightest danger.

She closed her eyes, her breathing suddenly quickening. Her heart pounded like thunder; she was utterly unwilling to die here.

Gu Qiying sneered and raised her hand. "Since you couldn't satisfy us, we can't go back on our word. Second Sister once said she would make you regret being born a woman..."

Yuan Lixun's heart jumped, and even her body began to tremble from excessive fear.

Gu Qiying's laughter grew sharper, sounding to the ear like two pieces of glass constantly grinding against each other, creating a grating noise.

However, at that very moment, a clear, resonant voice cut through the void, calmly reaching everyone’s ears.

"I suggest you look out for yourselves."

Gu Qiying’s laughter abruptly stopped, and her eyes immediately showed an expression as if she had seen a ghost. Then, reacting quickly, she reached out to snatch the defenseless Yuan Lixun.

But as her vision blurred, Yuan Lixun had vanished from her sight—a living person, inexplicably gone.

In an instant, both Gu Qiying and Bei Youhui felt a bone-chilling cold surge upward, almost freezing them solid.

Gu Qiying suddenly shrieked, "Second Sister, run!"

Without hesitation, Bei Youhui turned and bolted towards the cave entrance, with Gu Qiying closely following. Seeing Bei Youhui clear the cave entrance without obstruction, she paused briefly, then took a different side path. She hunched over, minimizing her exposure, and headed down a path opposite the one where Bei Youhui was desperately fleeing.

At this point, Gu Qiying felt a slight easing of tension. She knew that after this incident, there would be no more room for her on Mount Heng. Therefore, she completely abandoned any thought of returning to the mountain, praying only for a successful escape.

However, the moment this thought crossed her mind, her steps halted.

In front of her stood a young man, hands clasped behind his back, as if he had been waiting there for a thousand years.

Behind the youth, Yuan Lixun, who had regained her mobility, watched her silently. But unlike before, there was no trace of fear in Yuan Lixun’s gaze, nor much resentment when looking at her; there was only an inexpressible pity.

In just an instant, their roles had completely reversed.

Gu Qiying's face turned ashen. Subconsciously, she turned her head to look.

He Yiming smiled slightly. "Don't worry. Your good sister is being personally looked after by my ancestor; she absolutely won't get lost."

Perhaps realizing escape was futile, Gu Qiying strangely calmed down. She let out a long sigh. "Elder He, shouldn't you still be in the Elixir Refinement Chamber? How did you discover Miss Yuan's disappearance?"

He Yiming said calmly, "You were unlucky. The lesson Elder Yao assigned me today took only half the usual time, which is why I was able to find Lixun."

Gu Qiying's mouth moved slightly. So it was because of this—something beyond her control.

He Yiming said coldly, "Gu Qiying, you are also a Spirit Medicine Peak disciple. Why would you commit such a heaven-defying act? Aren't you afraid of sect rule sanctions?"

"Heaven-defying act?" Gu Qiying gave a mocking laugh. "What heaven-defying act? It's just the schemes of you Xiantian experts." Her voice grew hoarse with despair. "You Xiantian powerhouses have hoarded all the Golden Elixirs, leaving not a sliver of hope for us." Her gaze became increasingly venomous, her voice laced with ingrained hatred. "Sect rules only punish ordinary disciples; they cannot restrict Xiantian Elders. Moreover, if you hadn't selfishly kept the Golden Elixirs and had distributed them, would I have done this?"

He Yiming listened quietly, then finally sighed softly. "There are only two Xiantian Golden Elixirs; how were we supposed to distribute them?"

The look in Gu Qiying's eyes grew more venomous. "Since you have two, why couldn't you give me one? In your hearts, have you ever considered us ordinary disciples?"

He Yiming looked at her playfully and suddenly laughed, "Give you one Golden Elixir? On what grounds?"

Gu Qiying paused. "This old body has labored diligently on Spirit Medicine Peak for decades; naturally, I deserve the qualification for a Golden Elixir. If you don't give it to me, it is unjust."

He Yiming laughed loudly. "On Mount Heng, there aren't a hundred or eighty people qualified, but there are at least thirty or forty. In terms of seniority or strength, you are just mediocre. Even if the Grand Elder bestowed a Golden Elixir, it still wouldn't be your turn."

Gu Qiying opened her mouth, as if He Yiming had struck at the core of her concern, but her eyes were immediately replaced by a look of madness.

"I don't care! The Xiantian Golden Elixir is mine; no one can take it!" she shrieked.

He Yiming snorted coldly, suddenly cocking his ears, a murderous glint flashing in his eyes. His figure flickered, executing an instantaneous, lightning-fast movement and return.

Yuan Lixun hadn't even seen how he moved before he was back in his original spot. Simultaneously, Gu Qiying's body staggered a few times before she finally collapsed with a thud, but her large eyes remained wide open, seemingly protesting something.

From behind a large tree, a long sigh was heard. Daoist Yao slowly walked out, looking at the corpse on the ground with considerable emotion.

Ps: Chapter Two follows in two minutes ^_^

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