The outer library was open to all disciples in the Spiritual Medicine Peak, even allowing them unrestricted copying of its contents. It was from here that He Wude copied the massive collection of secret manuals he carried when he descended the mountain in days past. Without these texts, the He Family Estate could never have developed so smoothly. At the very least, the second and third generations of the He Family Estate would never have had such a vast array of martial arts techniques to choose from.
The inner library of the Main Peak, however, was inaccessible to ordinary disciples. This chamber was reserved exclusively for the reading room of the various Elders, with only they possessing the privilege of free entry and exit. At this moment, the four Elders and the Grand Elder of Mount Heng converged here.
He Yiming held a manual in his hands, his eyes faintly glowing, seemingly captivated by the content within. Yu Jinglei and the others were seated to the side, their expressions grave, their gazes toward He Yiming filled with anticipation and fervor. Yet, as He Yiming’s focus remained fixed on the manual, not a single person dared to interrupt him.
Finally, He Yiming turned to the last page of the manual. He slowly closed the book, closed his eyes in contemplation for a moment, let out a deep sigh, and said, “Excellent. These cultivation methods are indeed superb. Truly worthy of the predecessors of the sect; they managed to devise even such a technique.”
Yu Jinglei and the others started slightly. They exchanged glances, after which Yu Jinglei asked in a deep voice, “Elder He, did you grasp it?” He Yiming casually patted the manual in his hand, replying with mock annoyance, “It’s explained so plainly; if I still couldn't understand it, wouldn't I be a complete fool?”
A faint flush involuntarily rose on the faces of Yu Jinglei and the others. However, being elders well over a hundred years old—with Yu Jinglei himself having lived for over two centuries—their resilience, though perhaps not as thick as a city wall, was certainly comparable. Thus, they merely blushed briefly before resuming their composure as if nothing had happened.
Clearing his throat lightly, Yu Jinglei stated, “Elder He, understanding the content is one thing, but achieving it is quite another. Do you have the confidence to accomplish this?” He Yiming lowered his head, looking at the manual in his hands, a confident smile touching his lips.
Ever since he formally became a Xiantian Elder of the Mount Heng lineage in the Ancestral Hall, the inner library of Mount Heng had been open to him. However, the moment He Yiming first stepped inside, Yu Jinglei and the others entered together and handed him a manual. This manual recorded the crucial secrets for converting between various cultivation methods. It wasn't just about the transition between any two specific techniques, but rather detailed the essential conversion points among all the mutually generating methods within the basic Five Elements: Wood generating Fire. Fire generating Earth, Earth generating Metal, Metal generating Water, and Water generating Wood. The conversion essentials for all five of these generating techniques within the Five Elements were all encompassed within.
Upon seeing this text, He Yiming had benefited immensely. Although he also cultivated all five elements simultaneously, achieving seamless transitions between each technique, seeing the key points recorded there still profoundly moved him. Had this not been a vital area like the library, and with four Xiantian experts watching intently nearby, he likely would have attempted a demonstration right then and there.
Now, hearing Yu Jinglei ask if he could manage these transformations, he couldn't help but smile proudly, “Martial Uncle, rest assured. Given a few days to practice, mastering these techniques should present no issue.”
Yu Jinglei and the others exchanged glances. A moment later, the Medicine Daoist interjected, “Elder He, do you know the true purpose of these techniques?”
He Yiming paused, hesitating briefly. A sudden thought flashed through his mind, and he blurted out, “Mutual generation of techniques, to ascend to the Xiantian realm?”
The Medicine Daoist clapped his hands together. “Precisely! Elder He is entirely correct. Among our secluded sects, we all possess similar secret texts. Every Xiantian Elder who advanced through sheer effort using dual-element generating techniques studies and masters the key to this process.”
He Yiming immediately recalled the request Xie Zhi'en had made to him in the past, and realization dawned upon him instantly. “Once these technique essentials are mastered, can they then be used to protect others during their advancement?”
A faint smile played on the Medicine Daoist’s lips. He Yiming was indeed exceptionally astute; he had grasped the profound implication in just a few sentences.
Yu Jinglei chuckled heartily. “Elder He, this is hardly a secret in any secluded sect. The fact that our sects have flourished eternally, with more than one Xiantian Elder presiding over each generation, is precisely due to this very reason.”
Following the explanations from Yu Jinglei and the others, He Yiming finally understood some of the inner workings. Among the disciples of the secluded sects, numerous experts reaching the peak of the tenth level of Houtian Neijin emerge every generation. Among these disciples, nearly every generation yields a few who cultivate dual-generating Neijin.
These disciples are priceless treasures to the sect; they are the potential candidates for future Xiantian Elders. However, although they are all cultivators at the peak of the tenth level of Neijin using dual-generating techniques, ascending to the Xiantian realm remains far from easy. If they relied solely on their own efforts, absolutely fewer than one in ten would ultimately manage to step into the Xiantian realm via the dual-generating method.
Through the research of past powerful figures within the sect, countless experiences in this area were documented, eventually solidifying into a tradition. That is, once such a disciple appears, and if there is currently an Elder in the sect whose technique attributes perfectly match those of the disciple, then those Elders have the solemn duty to assist in clearing the meridians and protecting such a disciple during their breakthrough. It is precisely because of this mechanism that the secluded sects have always maintained several Xiantian experts, ensuring their lineage never breaks.
After finishing his account, Yu Jinglei sighed. “Elder Medicine cultivates both Wood and Fire; Elder Lian Yi and I both cultivate Water and Wood. As for…” He paused, his gaze drifting over Yu Xichen’s face, then he shook his head and ceased commenting.
Yu Xichen’s face reddened slightly. “Elder He, I cultivate Earth techniques and advanced to Xiantian entirely based on the Xiantian Golden Elixir. It’s hardly worth mentioning.”
He Yiming quickly shook his head and offered comforting words, but from the demeanor of the group, he vaguely sensed that Elders who advanced by consuming Golden Elixirs seemed to feel slightly inferior compared to those who advanced by relying on mutual generation through dual cultivation.
Yu Jinglei continued, “In the younger generation of Mount Heng, we actually have a genius cultivator who cultivates both Gold and Water Neijin, both reaching the tenth level peak. That is Lu Zhengyi of the Spiritual Jade Peak. He is only…” He paused, glancing at He Yiming, a strange expression surfacing on his face. “He is sixty-six years old this year and reached the dual-element tenth level peak three years ago. However, his attempts to break through to Xiantian have failed twice in a row.”
Given Yu Jinglei’s age, the sixty-six-year-old Lu Zhengyi was no different from a young man in his twenties or thirties in his eyes. But after looking at He Yiming, the word "only" became impossible to utter regarding the age. If sixty-six years old counted as "only," how would one possibly describe He Yiming, who was merely seventeen?
The Medicine Daoist chimed in with a smile, “Although Zhengyi failed twice, that was because no one shielded him during the process. It prevented him from fully pushing his limits. If someone could protect him, his chances of successfully advancing to Xiantian would be much greater.”
Saying this, the Medicine Daoist looked at He Yiming with a knowing smile, the expectation in his eyes clear even to a simpleton.
He Yiming couldn't help but laugh wryly. He finally understood why the Medicine Daoist and Yu Jinglei had been so excited when they learned he cultivated four of the basic Five Elements. Furthermore, their attitude toward him clearly surpassed that shown to an ordinary Elder. He had initially assumed this excitement stemmed from the lack of successors in Mount Heng, but now he realized his existence held such immense value for the sect.
A subtle shift occurred in his heart. “Among the many disciples of Mount Heng, is there only one who meets the criteria?”
The Medicine Daoist and the others started, their gazes shifting toward Yu Xichen. After a long moment of deliberation, Yu Xichen said, “Besides Lu Zhengyi, there is also Che Wenjun on Thumb Peak. He also cultivates generating dual Neijin, and he is in his forties. However, his dual techniques are currently only at the ninth level, with a long road ahead to reach the tenth level peak. Moreover, even if he reaches the dual-element tenth level peak, his chances of a smooth breakthrough will not exceed one in ten.”
He Yiming was greatly intrigued and asked, “Why?”
Yu Xichen sighed helplessly. “Che Wenjun cultivates Earth and Metal techniques. Among the basic Five Elements, these two are recognized as the most difficult generating techniques to break through to the Xiantian realm. If a senior Elder could assist in fortifying his meridians, allowing him to attempt the breakthrough without reservation, he might have a fifty percent chance. But relying solely on his own power, then…” He shook his head. “The hope is slim.”
He Yiming calculated internally. To have two such highly gifted disciples among over two thousand people was far better than the situation in Taicang County. Yet, upon reflection, he relaxed. This was a secluded sect; their disciples received specialized care from birth regarding these matters. It couldn't be compared to the outside world. If everyone in the Tianluo Kingdom had such conditions, the number of disciples cultivating generating dual Neijin would surely far exceed that of the Mount Heng lineage. But in reality, this was impossible; even those born with such innate talent would mostly fade into obscurity in the ordinary environment. This was fate; differing destinies determined their ultimate achievements.
Suddenly, He Yiming felt eight pairs of burning gazes converge upon him. Startled, he offered a wry smile and said quite willingly, “Esteemed Elders, in the future, when Mount Heng disciples attempt to break through to the Xiantian realm, I am also willing to contribute my humble efforts.”
Only then did Yu Jinglei and the others show satisfied smiles. However, Yu Jinglei’s expression turned serious. “Elder He, although we are aware of your power and your extraordinary attainments in the Gold and Water systems—your true qi transformation has reached the point of effortless control—the essentials recorded in this manual are experiences painstakingly summarized by many seniors of our sect. You should first cultivate for a few years to fully master the contents before shielding Lu Zhengyi.”
The Medicine Daoist sighed deeply. “Martial Uncle is absolutely right. Don’t be offended, Elder He, but it took me a full twenty years to fully master the insights in this secret text when I practiced it. Unfortunately, during this sixty-year cycle, our sect produced no tenth-level peak disciples dual-cultivating Wood and Fire, rendering my arduous efforts wasted.”
He Yiming scanned the faces of the Elders and noticed similar expressions on all of them. He became immensely suspicious. Although the essentials described in the book were marvelous, they did not appear complex in his eyes. Why did it take the Medicine Daoist and the others so long to master them? A thought stirred in his mind, and he immediately understood: this must be related to his unique constitution.
He smiled faintly and extended both hands. The crowd collectively started, unsure what he intended to do. However, their expressions changed the next moment, becoming shocked and astonished.
He Yiming’s hands remained still, held out before their eyes. Yet, these Xiantian experts could sense the powerful true qi flowing through those hands. Water-attribute true qi, Gold-attribute true qi—these two types alternated on his hands. Sometimes Gold on the left and Water on the right; sometimes reversed; sometimes mixed together; sometimes all transforming into a single attribute, only to shift again immediately. In just a few breaths, these two types of true qi cycled back and forth over his hands dozens of times. Despite such violent fluctuations, He Yiming remained seated with a calm smile. His hands showed no change, and the true qi within his body circulated smoothly, without the slightest obstruction or pause.
A moment later, He Yiming retracted his hands, picked up the nearby teacup, and drank heartily. When he looked up and saw the expressions on Yu Jinglei and the others’ faces, he too was slightly taken aback. The four men still stared wide-eyed, as if they had never seen him before, their gazes holding an ineffable strangeness. If He Yiming had not clearly sensed that they harbored no malice toward him, the first thing he would have done would have been to flee in terror.
Yu Jinglei finally let out a long breath. “Genius. A true genius.”
Lian Yi nodded in agreement. “Indeed. In over a hundred years, I have never seen anyone possess such exquisite mastery over the Gold and Water systems. Elder He’s cultivation of these two techniques is approaching the power of the origin itself without restriction.” His eyes glowed faintly. “Elder He, I suggest you abandon the cultivation of Wood and Fire techniques moving forward and focus entirely on Gold and Water. I believe that as long as you continue to cultivate steadily, you will certainly break through the Hundred Scattered Heavens realm and achieve the First Thread of Heaven realm one day.”
The Medicine Daoist shuddered and quickly protested, “Inappropriate, inappropriate! While Elder He shows powerful talent in Gold and Water, he is equally gifted in Wood and Fire. I suggest he persist with cultivating Fire and Wood. As for Gold and Water…” He paused, recalling what he had just witnessed—that effortless transformation had profoundly shaken him. The words urging him to quit died in his throat.
Lian Yi frowned displeasedly. “Elder Medicine, I know you want Elder He to inherit your Spiritual Medicine Peak, but you have seen his talent in Gold and Water. Are you still going to disregard the greater good and insist on your own view?”
The Medicine Daoist’s face flushed crimson. “Elder Lian, I guarantee you, Elder He’s talent in Wood and Fire is in no way inferior to his Gold and Water. If my words are false, may I be struck by lightning and die a terrible death.”
The gazes of Lian Yi and the others once again held a hint of stupefaction. They looked at He Yiming with that same expression of incredulity. He Yiming’s composure, after all, could not compare to these old monsters who had lived for centuries. He offered an embarrassed smile. “Elders, I have already decided upon my future cultivation path, so I ask that you refrain from bringing it up again.”
Yu Jinglei and the others nodded one by one. Even if their curiosity had multiplied tenfold, once He Yiming had made his decision, they could only swallow their curiosity whole.
He Yiming carefully placed the manual back in its spot and spoke loudly, “Elder Yu, may I ask when Lu Zhengyi plans to attempt the breakthrough to the Xiantian realm? If it is within this month, I am very willing to shield and assist his advancement.”
After spending time together, He Yiming had learned that while Yu Xichen was the weakest in martial arts cultivation on Mount Heng, he was still the Elder responsible for handling the daily administrative affairs of the main peak. As for the Medicine Daoist, he focused entirely on alchemy, while Yu Jinglei and Lian Yi were engrossed in martial arts training. They paid no attention to trivial matters. Therefore, regarding the arrangement of such affairs, only Yu Xichen could be consulted.
Yu Xichen deliberated for a moment. “Since Elder He is so generous, let us set the date for ten days from now.”
He Yiming nodded nonchalantly and asked with surprise, “Elder Yu, are you so certain? Adjusting his mindset might take Lu Zhengyi longer than ten days, wouldn’t it?” Indeed, not everyone possessed his constitution, and Lu Zhengyi was carrying the shadow of two failed Xiantian attempts. It was doubtful whether ten days would be enough for him to bring his state to its absolute peak.
Yu Xichen smiled faintly. “Elder He, your agreement to act is already his greatest fortune. If he cannot adjust his mindset within ten days, it means his cultivation is insufficient, and he will not have such an opportunity again within the next five years.”
He Yiming nodded silently. In truth, he was also eager to try. He had a feeling that this was a rare chance for Lu Zhengyi, but wasn't it also a new experience for himself? Reviewing the old to learn the new—this principle applied not only to literature but also to the martial path. The moment he broke through to the Xiantian realm in the past was still fresh in his memory. He felt a subtle anticipation, wondering if helping someone else break through would allow him to re-taste that sensation...
P.S.: There is one more chapter currently being written, but Bai He needs to accompany his daughter to her calligraphy lesson, so that chapter will be updated around ten o'clock. I ask for the brothers' understanding. Bai He promised to reach 15,000 words and he will, but please allow the third chapter to be updated slightly later. The difficulty of finishing and revising three chapters before 7:30 PM is too high. sweat...