As he finally expelled the entire breath, his tightly closed eyes snapped open. His gaze swept around the room before finally resting upon Yuan Lixun, who was cultivating her internal strength beside him.
Yuan Lixun, too, currently had her eyes closed, powerful Neijin surging endlessly within her body, gradually ascending toward a peak.
He Yiming sensed the potent and abundant water element energy permeating the surroundings. These forces had been drawn from all directions as he cultivated his water-element Zhenqi.
Furthermore, He Yiming discovered that even within the same water element energy, there existed distinct frequencies. This mysterious frequency could be finely tuned through the speed of cultivation and the specific techniques employed. After this subtle adjustment, the surrounding elemental power of the water world blended even more intimately with Yuan Lixun’s aura.
Especially while she cultivated, a vague sense of Tian Ren He Yi (unity between Heaven and Man) seemed to manifest.
Although Yuan Lixun was not a Xiantian (Innate) expert and could not absorb the Heaven and Earth Qi from the outside, she was practicing a water-elemental technique. Thus, when He Yiming simultaneously cultivated his Xiantian water-element Zhenqi, she inevitably received some benefit.
For the short term, this benefit was hardly noticeable, but accumulated over time, Yuan Lixun’s rate of progress had not only seen a significant increase, but more importantly, by cultivating in this environment where the concentration of water energy peaked, her physique seemed to undergo a subtle transformation, making it easier for her to sense the water element forces diffused throughout the cosmos.
Of course, this was merely an illusion, yet He Yiming knew that the very beginning of establishing a connection with the outside world manifested through such illusory sensations.
If Yuan Lixun could maintain cultivation in this environment perpetually, reaching the peak of the Tenth Layer of Neijin, breaking through to the Xiantian realm would become a hundred times easier for her than for others.
However, this method was prohibitively luxurious and could not be widely promoted.
After all, not every Xiantian expert would spare no effort in nurturing the next generation of disciples, and besides He Yiming, it was doubtful anyone else could so effortlessly fine-tune their own cultivation methods without impeding their personal training progress afterward.
He sensed Yuan Lixun’s cultivation progress, and a hint of satisfaction gradually dawned on his face.
Then, he drew a jade vial from his robes. Inside rested an Xianxing Jindan (Limit Gold Pill). He hesitated for a long moment, unable to commit to the final decision.
Slowly, Yuan Lixun concluded her cycle of practice. She opened her bright, clear eyes and immediately noticed He Yiming deep in thought.
“Young Master, what are you contemplating?”
He Yiming tucked the jade vial back into his robes. “Nothing much. I was debating whether to have you take the Xianxing Jindan.”
Yuan Lixun paused slightly. “Take another pill, Young Master?”
He Yiming let out a wry smile. Gold Pills were treasures of immense value; others schemed desperately just for a chance to consume one.
But he understood that precisely because of this rarity, Yuan Lixun appeared cautious when taking them. Before following He Yiming, she had never imagined life could hold such unbelievably fortunate days.
“Lixun, we have been at Hengshan for about five months now, haven’t we?”
“Yes.”
He Yiming nodded. “Although you have only taken one Jingli Jindan (Vitality Gold Pill), you have already reached the peak of the Sixth Layer. That is very commendable.”
Yuan Lixun replied solemnly, “Young Master, I know. My rapid cultivation speed is entirely due to your efforts.”
He Yiming smiled faintly. Of course, it was his doing. The Jingli Jindan came from him, and he created the optimal environment for her daily practice. Moreover, every difficulty she encountered on the path of cultivation was pointed out and solved by him.
It was the accumulation of these incredibly favorable conditions that allowed her to reach this point.
In a mere five months, to ascend from just stepping into the Sixth Layer to reaching its peak—this pace was even a month faster than He Yiming’s own cultivation speed back then.
Naturally, given the great investment he made, such a marked result was only to be expected.
After a moment’s consideration, He Yiming said, “Lixun, you have reached the peak of the Sixth Layer. Next, we must find a way to break through the bottleneck of this stage.” His voice turned serious. “If you consume an Xianxing Jindan now, you will certainly advance smoothly. However, the medicinal power of the Xianxing Jindan is formidable, and it only exhibits its maximum efficacy upon the very first ingestion. Every subsequent dose results in diminishing returns. Therefore, I hope you can save it for when you challenge the threshold of the Tenth Layer.”
Yuan Lixun nodded without hesitation. “Everything is as the Young Master decides.”
She spoke naturally, seemingly unconcerned with her own cultivation progress, placing complete trust in him regarding this aspect.
He Yiming rubbed his nose and chuckled. “But rest assured, I won’t let you linger at this hurdle for too long.”
Yuan Lixun responded softly. Since following He Yiming, her own strength had advanced by leaps and bounds, leaving her completely satisfied.
At that very moment, He Yiming’s ears suddenly vibrated intensely, and an expression of mingled surprise and delight crossed his face.
Having spent much time with He Yiming, Yuan Lixun knew he had perceived something unexpected, and judging by his expression, it was clearly joyous news.
Indeed, He Yiming called out loudly, “Lixun, Elder Bao and First Uncle have entered the mountain. Let’s go welcome them!”
Yuan Lixun quickly stood up. He Yiming reached out, grasping her delicate hand in his larger one, and the two of them vanished from the room like smoke.
At the entrance to Spirit Medicine Peak. Several figures were proceeding slowly. The foremost were disciples patrolling from the main peak, and between them walked He Laibao and He Quanxin.
He Laibao was intimately familiar with Spirit Medicine Peak. Head held high, he proudly followed the few disciples, listening intently as they recounted the recent changes in Hengshan.
Stories of foreign invasions, the three Xiantian experts who went out and never returned, and how Elder He chased the enemy for two days and nights before finally returning after a complete rout (In truth, He Yiming only pursued for one day, then spent three times as long finding his way back after getting lost. But he was too embarrassed to tell the ordinary disciples the truth, so the rumor morphed into a two-day-night relentless pursuit).
The Xiantian Elders convened the Ancestral Hall, and before the spirits of their ancestors, they allowed He Wude to officially rejoin the sect and formally invited He Yiming to become one of the sect’s Xiantian Elders.
Furthermore, Elder He’s assistance had helped Lu Zhengyi of Spirit Jade Peak successfully advance to the Xiantian realm, making him the sect’s fifth Xiantian Elder.
As the disciples narrated these events, their eyes shone brightly, as if they had witnessed everything firsthand.
Although they were all disciples of the main peak, they held the young Elder He of Spirit Medicine Peak in the highest esteem.
He Laibao naturally had no idea that so much had transpired in the mere two months since his departure. But hearing the effusive praise heaped upon He Yiming, he was overjoyed. His old face crinkled with pleasure like a blooming daisy, happier than if they had praised him directly.
As for He Quanxin, his gaze constantly swept over the mountainside, greatly admiring Hengshan’s uniquely favorable cultivation environment. Of course, upon hearing of He Yiming’s accomplishments, he too was immensely pleased. As the current head of the He Family Manor, the greater He Yiming’s achievements, the more unshakeable the He Family Manor would become.
Just as they entered the vicinity of the Spirit Medicine Peak entrance, their vision suddenly blurred, and they saw a young man and woman standing before them.
Never mind the guiding disciples from the main peak; even He Laibao and He Quanxin, both Houtian masters at the Tenth Layer of Neijin, had not clearly seen how these two appeared.
A moment of tension gripped them, but upon seeing clearly who it was, they immediately understood and were no longer surprised.
For the sudden appearance belonged to He Yiming and Yuan Lixun.
“Greetings, Elder He,” the leading main peak disciples bowed in unison.
Although any one of them was far older than He Yiming, in the presence of a Xiantian Elder, none dared to be disrespectful.
Moreover, in their hearts, He Yiming commanded genuine reverence. Especially after He Yiming successfully helped Lu Zhengyi achieve the Xiantian realm, no one harbored the slightest dissent toward him anymore.
He Yiming waved his hand slightly. “No need for formalities.”
The leader respectfully stated, “Elder He, Old Master He Laibao and Mr. He Quanxin requested an audience with you and Old Master He Wude, so we escorted them here.”
He Yiming acknowledged this. “You have all worked hard, thank you.”
The main peak disciples repeatedly claimed they dared not accept the thanks, then withdrew. Yet, excitement flickered in every eye.
For ordinary disciples, meeting the lofty Xiantian Elder of the sect—especially the youngest and most promising among them—was naturally exhilarating and thrilling.
Once the group had dispersed, He Laibao burst into loud laughter. “Paying respects to Elder He.”
He Yiming shot a look at the childlike He Laibao. “Elder Bao, are you making fun of me?”
He Laibao shook his head slightly, sighing deeply. “Seventeen years. When the Sixth Young Master first began practicing Neijin, I knew your future was boundless. But to reach this point in merely seventeen years—it is truly unbelievable.”
He Yiming’s lips twitched slightly. Without that night of cultivation and the encounter at the lake bottom, how could he have achieved this today? But this matter could never be shared with the elder; it had to remain deeply buried in his heart.
He Quanxin stepped forward, his face showing undisguised delight as he looked at He Yiming. “Yiming, you have done wonderfully. The future of our He family now rests on you.”
He Yiming nodded gently. As a member of the He Family Manor, this was his undeniable responsibility.
He Quanxin then added, “Yiming, this time I entered the mountain, besides following Father’s instructions to diligently cultivate my Neijin and strive for a Xiantian breakthrough, I also have news to relay.”
Seeing his solemn expression, He Yiming looked surprised. “First Uncle, is this matter related to our Manor?”
He Quanxin shook his head. “Master Shui Xuanjin sent word from the capital, hoping you can travel there before May of this year.”
He Yiming was even more astonished. When he left the capital last year, he had agreed with Shui Xuanjin that he would emerge within two or three years. Since Shui Xuanjin had sent a messenger now, there must have been an unforeseen event. A thought stirred in his mind: could Master Shui’s lifespan be drawing to a close?
He quickly dismissed the notion. Although Shui Xuanjin was over two hundred years old, judging by his vitality, provided he avoided fighting experts of the same rank, he should easily last another three to five years.
Yet, upon receiving this news, a sense of worry still settled in He Yiming’s heart.
After escorting his grandfather and uncle into the peak to meet He Wude, He Yiming went to the main peak to report the matter to Yu Jinglei.
The Grand Elder agreed without a word and personally met He Quanxin, offering him a few pointers along the way.
Although He Yiming was now a Xiantian expert, due to his age, his breadth of knowledge and learning could not compare to a veteran like Yu Jinglei. A mere hint from Yu Jinglei, given his insight and experience, instantly brought He Quanxin a feeling of sudden enlightenment. Overjoyed, he knelt in gratitude.
He Yiming seized the opportunity to request leave from Hengshan, proposing to travel and fulfill his desire to explore the world.
Yu Jinglei considered briefly, then nodded in agreement. To He Yiming’s surprise, Yu Jinglei stated, “To continue breaking through within the Xiantian realm, solitary, intense seclusion is no longer enough. Only by traveling ten thousand li and tempering oneself in the chaos of the mortal world and the dangers of deep mountains—perhaps only when you behold the vast ocean and the boundless desert—will you gain the inspiration to surpass your limits.”
He Yiming pondered for a moment, then asked suspiciously, “Martial Uncle, did you travel extensively after ascending to Xiantian?”
Yu Jinglei nodded solemnly. “Naturally. I traveled for an entire sixty-year cycle before I could successfully break through to the One-Line Sky realm.” His expression held a rare spirit of grandeur. “From the Great Shen Empire in the East, to the Holy Alliance in the West, the Southern Border Isles in the South, and the Great Cold Ice Plain in the North—I have set foot upon them all.”
He Yiming’s gaze filled with envy and a trace of longing. If possible, he too wished to repeat such an experience.
However, the thought of a sixty-year absence made him hesitate. If he were gone for that long, his parents would surely sicken with worry.
Still, He Yiming understood why Yu Jinglei could comprehend the speech of the Lomiya people: the old man had simply been to too many places, making knowledge of a few extra dialects unsurprising.
Entrusting his grandfather and uncle to Yu Jinglei and others, He Yiming departed the mountain with Yuan Lixun.
Before leaving, the Alchemist gave him ten Xianxing Jindan and a large quantity of Jingli Jindan.
After months of alchemy, He Yiming understood that refining Xiantian Jindan and Xianxing Jindan required spiritual beast cores. However, refining Jingli Jindan was much simpler.
Any precious medicinal herb with sufficient age could achieve the same effect. Under the Alchemist’s arrangements, He Yiming even personally refined two batches of Jingli Jindan.
The herbs used in these two batches were different, but their potency was in no way inferior to the Jingli Jindan refined using spiritual beast cores.
Having left Hengshan, He Yiming did not immediately return to the He Family Manor.
Since Shui Xuanjin had set the deadline for May of this year, they had a substantial amount of free time.
After traveling on mountain roads for several days, the two arrived at a secluded, tranquil valley. The environment here was beautiful, nestled in a rarely trodden ravine. In the past, they would have only found this hidden place while tracking the two-headed spirit beast.
The five months slipped by; this place remained deserted. Returning now evoked complex emotions in both of them.
He Yiming moved to the rock face concealing the massive stone, removing all the camouflage materials. Immediately, the enormous white stone, emitting a milky white glow, was revealed.
When placed within the rock wall, the large stone’s color seemed slightly subdued.
But when they pushed the white stone out of the cavern and exposed it to sunlight, it instantly shone brilliantly, dazzling the eye.
He Yiming looked up in surprise at the scorching sun overhead, a sudden insight dawning in his heart. Could this white stone be connected in some way to the sunlight above?
However, after studying it for a long time, he gained nothing. With his current knowledge, he obviously could not grasp concepts like solar power, nor the principles and effects of various rays. He only vaguely felt that there was some mysterious, unknowable connection between them.
Under the milky white radiance of the massive stone, they began their respective practices.
Half a month later, Yuan Lixun finally achieved her wish, breaking through the peak of the Sixth Layer of Neijin to reach the Seventh Layer realm.
Although the Seventh Layer of Neijin was negligible to He Yiming at this stage, for Yuan Lixun, it was enough to send her into ecstasy.
However, what disappointed He Yiming was that for Xiantian experts, cultivating under the light of the large stone seemed to make little difference.
Finally, He Yiming chipped off several small stone strips, each about the length of a thumb, and carefully stored them away. He then forcefully stuffed one of them onto Yuan Lixun.
Though Yuan Lixun was uninterested, even slightly fearful of the object, she yielded to He Yiming’s insistence, tying the strip with a cord and letting it hang against her chest.
After the stone strips were broken off, the giant stone continued to move slightly, healing the wounds. However, this time, He Yiming and Yuan Lixun felt no alarm, only murmurs of wonder.
They pushed the giant stone back into the cave and replaced all the coverings. The two then left the secret ravine and finally returned to the long-unseen Taicang County Town.