He Yiming had not yet returned to his courtyard when he heard the clamor of several people inside the manor.

Amidst those sounds, he even detected voices calling out for the Sixth Young Master. A slight look of surprise crossed his face as He Yiming realized the news of his return had already spread through the compound.

Indeed, just as he rounded a corner, he spotted a figure peering cautiously outward from the front of the manor. Upon seeing him, the person erupted in overwhelming joy, spun around, and bolted back toward the main house, shouting at the top of their lungs: "The Sixth Young Master is back! The Sixth Young Master is back..."

With that cry, as if perfectly prepared, a throng of people emerged, surrounding a noble lady.

He Yiming’s eyebrows flickered once. A single glance was all it took for him to ascertain that the lady encircled at the center of the crowd was his mother, Lin Wenyu.

Yet, after only a year’s absence, even He Yiming found the current Lin Wenyu somewhat unrecognizable.

It wasn't that her looks had drastically changed, but rather that her attire, even her entire bearing, seemed to have undergone a fundamental shift.

The transformation from a modest housewife from an ordinary family to a gracious and dignified noblewoman was a change He Yiming found genuinely difficult to accept at first glance.

Beside his mother stood several other noble ladies and a number of younger misses. Their elegance clearly surpassed his mother’s, yet every face in the group was plastered with smiles of fawning deference. Any observer could see that Lin Wenyu was unmistakably the focal point.

He Yiming dimly suspected that his mother’s transformation was influenced by these women.

However, he held no prejudice against it. As long as it brought his mother happiness, a little change in demeanor was inconsequential.

With a subtle movement, he was instantly at his mother’s side. He Yiming asked softly, "Mother, why did you come out personally?"

Lin Wenyu clutched He Yiming’s hand tightly. In that moment, no one else existed in her eyes.

No matter to what heights He Yiming had grown, in her eyes, he remained her own flesh and blood. This bond of kinship was an unbreakable tether, one that even the end of life could not sever.

He Yiming looked up, his gaze sweeping over the faces of the surrounding women—he recognized none of them.

Lin Wenyu finally seemed to register the situation. She still refused to release her son's hand but began introducing them one by one.

Moments later, He Yiming understood that these were the wives and daughters from the prominent gentry families of the Cheng clan, the Xu clan, and other influential houses in Taicang County.

Lin Wenyu sighed softly. "Yiming, your father has been so consumed by his work this past year that he has barely spared a thought for the household. Your elder siblings have sequestered themselves in the manor, diligently cultivating their internal energy. I was left quite lonely here. Fortunately, these good sisters have spared no effort to visit, keep me company, and share conversation, otherwise, this time would have been unbearably dull."

He Yiming knew perfectly well that the He Family Manor was undergoing rapid expansion; his father and the others were certainly too busy to attend to anything else. Perhaps even the third generation of disciples had already been drawn into the affairs.

As for his mother, upon seeing the clear intelligence in her eyes, he instantly understood.

Dressed this way, though a stark departure from her former attire, this change, viewed from another angle, confirmed that the He family had finally gained recognition from the great clans of Taicang County, officially establishing roots in the county seat, free from their past collective marginalization.

He sighed inwardly. It seemed every member of the clan was striving for the family's future, playing their assigned roles whether they found joy in it or not.

After the greetings, they all entered the courtyard together. He Yiming immediately saw Cheng Jiahui waiting inside with a gentle smile.

While the current head of the Cheng family held little sway in He Yiming’s estimation, the status of his sister-in-law's father was enough to command his respect.

Under Cheng Jiahui's introduction, He Yiming learned that the leak about his return had come from the guard commander at the gate.

Having been away from Taicang County for over a year, he was unaware of the notoriety he had achieved within the city. Here, people might not know the County Governor, but they certainly knew the name He Yiming.

Lin Wenyu ordered a feast prepared to welcome and wash away the dust of travel from He Yiming.

At the table, He Yiming was naturally the center of attention. He maintained a faint, inscrutable smile, enveloped by the aura of a Xiantian powerhouse. This naturally inspired deeper reverence among the guests, an effect even Lin Wenyu experienced.

After the meal concluded, He Yiming spoke privately with his mother, learning about the earth-shattering changes that had transpired at the He Family Manor during his absence.

With the unwavering support of the Tianluo Royal Family, the He Family Manor no longer faced any concerns regarding provisions or finances. Moreover, nearly one-tenth of the shops in the newly constructed great city had been provisionally allocated to the He Family Manor. Once the entire city was completed, whether leased out or operated directly, it would yield enormous wealth.

Not only that, but the entire Taicang County had benefited immensely. It could be said that due to the appearance of He Yiming, a Xiantian expert, Taicang County had officially entered the high-level view of the entire Tianluo Nation, ensuring its promising future development.

The current environment was completely different from before. The He family had long become the undisputed premier house in Taicang County. Only Lin Wenyu remained in the county seat, while the brothers He Quanming and He Quanyi stayed behind to guard the main manor.

Although Lin Wenyu was a woman, if anyone now dared to lay claim to the He family’s shops in the city, there would be no need for Lin Wenyu to act; the Cheng family would certainly intervene, crushing any threat in its cradle.

Subsequently, He Yiming inquired about He Yiling and Yuan Liling.

When this topic arose, even Lin Wenyu displayed a helpless expression. Although the three He brothers seemed generally easygoing, once they settled on a course of action, they were as stubborn as oxen, impossible to sway.

It was under He Yiling’s objection that He Yiling and Yuan Liling, unable to bear the tension any longer, left the main family to seek solace in the city.

He Yiming shook his head slightly, unable to fathom the precise reasons. However, learning of the manor’s recent conditions ignited an overwhelming surge of longing within him. He immediately requested to return to the main estate.

For him, Taicang County was merely an inn along the journey of life; his true home remained the place where he grew up.

Lin Wenyu nodded without hesitation and instructed the servants to prepare horses.

The moment she mounted the tall steed, He Yiming confirmed that his respected mother had not truly changed at all; she was still that hardworking, great woman who assisted her husband in carving out a domain in Taicang County.

The group swiftly departed the city on horseback, heading toward the He Family Manor. As they reached the gates, the hour was late, and the city gates were closed. However, when Lin Wenyu presented the seal of the He Family Manor, the gate commander immediately flung the gates open without a word, allowing them to thunder through.

News of their departure from the county soon reached the ears of all interested parties. Those who had failed to pay their respects that day lamented their missed opportunity but could only wait silently for the next chance.

※※※※

The horses galloped swiftly along the main road. He Yiming’s heart yearned for home; if not for his mother and relatives trailing behind him, he would have rushed ahead alone.

With his current movement skills, compared to ordinary horses, the difference was immeasurable.

Two hours later, following the familiar road—ingrained in his memory, utterly unforgettable—He Yiming finally arrived at his profoundly...

Unfamiliar manor.

When he beheld the towering walls standing in the distance, he almost doubted his own eyes.

A massive, high wall, even larger than the Xu Family Fortress, had been erected a thousand meters outside the boundaries of the original He Family Manor.

This wall was tall and thick, enclosing the entirety of the He Family Manor within.

He Yiming’s profound gaze was sharp and penetrating. Although he had once vowed to build such a sturdy defensive line before the He Family Manor when he first saw the walls of the Xu Family Fortress, he never imagined this aspiration would be fulfilled before he even acted upon it—and fulfilled far better than he had envisioned.

Lin Wenyu looked at the wall, then at the silent He Yiming. "This was ordered by the Lord of the Tianluo Nation. Tens of thousands of laborers were mobilized to personally construct the wall for the He Family Manor. Materials were gathered from all over the nation. The Lin family of Linlang also spared no effort in directing and dispatching resources. After ten months, it was finally completed." She paused, looking at He Yiming with eyes full of pride. "Yiming, this wall was built because of you."

He Yiming was momentarily stunned. "What?"

Lin Wenyu said solemnly, "The Tianluo Imperial Family and the Lin family are showing favor to you. If you had not become a Xiantian powerhouse, had not become the Protector Master of the Tianluo Nation, and had not defeated Master Cheng Fu, this wall would not exist."

He Yiming finally understood, looking at the towering fortifications, a fresh wave of emotion washing over him.

Although he knew his family would benefit greatly due to him, receiving such enormous advantages was still far beyond his expectations.

From the top of the wall, a voice shouted down, "Who goes there? This is the He Family Manor—the ancestral home of Master He Yiming, the Grand Master of the Tianluo Nation. Disembark and do not mistake yourselves."

He Yiming rubbed his nose. Hearing those words, even he felt a slight, awkward sensation.

Lin Wenyu caught her son's expression and let out a knowing smile. "I am Lin Wenyu. Quickly open the gates and inform the Second Master and Third Master that the Sixth Young Master has returned."

The wall fell into absolute silence; all noise ceased at that moment.

But it lasted only a second before an explosion of cheers erupted like thunder.

Immediately afterward, countless people began to move in a frenzy. Some rushed down to open the gates, while the quicker ones took off running toward the family compound a thousand meters away, heedless that most people were already asleep. They drew breath and screamed out in hoarse voices, "The Sixth Young Master is back..."

Of course, many more simply crowded forward, daring not approach too closely, merely watching from a distance, trying to catch a glimpse of the Xiantian Master famous throughout Tianluo through the gaps in the crowd.

He Yiming asked in confusion, "Mother, why are there so many servants in the manor today?"

It was late, but the number of people on the ramparts far exceeded his estimate. If this was the case daily, how many people would the entire manor house?

Lin Wenyu gave a wry smile. "The manor has grown, so naturally, there aren't enough hands. Fortunately, the Royal Family, the Lin family, and the local magnates all gifted us a contingent of household retainers and servants; otherwise, we wouldn't have managed the staffing."

He Yiming sighed inwardly. This was the inherent flaw of having a shallow foundation: once influence expanded too rapidly, such situations became unavoidable.

The reason his father had returned to reside at the manor was likely due to concern for the main estate.

Moments later, He Yiming and the others passed inside the perimeter walls. He Yiming looked around; though it was night, in his eyes, everything appeared as clear as day.

The interior had also undergone considerable renovation. Like the Xu Family Fortress, it contained significant tracts of arable land. Moreover, numerous new residences had been constructed, and the nascent division between inner and outer keeps was vaguely discernible.

The brothers He Quanming and He Quanyi, along with the cousins of the third generation, arrived in the shortest possible time. A joyful reunion with their relatives ensued. Even the usually stern-faced He Quanyi displayed a rare smile this time.

He Yiming relayed the recent progress of their grandfather and the others, urging everyone to develop steadily here. He assured them that once his elder uncle successfully advanced to the Xiantian realm, they would return to the He Family Manor. With his elder uncle presiding over the main estate, the He Family Manor would finally be unshakably stable.

The observant He Yiming noticed that when his elder brother emerged, two women followed closely behind him: Cheng Yanli and Yuan Liwen. Regardless of their personal dynamic, in the eyes of outsiders, they showed no sign of discord.

He Yiming’s ear twitched slightly. He let out a soft 'Oh,' his gaze falling upon Cheng Yanli’s abdomen.

Though this action was somewhat impolite, the few insiders present nodded in admiration—truly worthy of a Xiantian realm expert, to discern such a thing at a glance.

A look of joy blossomed on He Yiming's face. "Elder Brother, congratulations."

He Yitian let out a hearty laugh, while a blush rose on Cheng Yanli's cheeks.

"Have Grandfather and the others found out yet?"

"Not yet," He Yitian replied with a wry smile. "It was five days after Grandpa Bao and Father left that the pregnancy was confirmed."

He Yiming sighed softly. "If Grandfather and the rest knew that the fourth generation of the He family is about to be born, I don't know how overjoyed they will be."

He Quanming nodded. "That's true. Shall we send someone to Hengshan to inform Father and the others?"

He Yiming pondered for a moment, then shook his head. "Let's not discuss whether they can reach Hengshan successfully first. Right now, Elder Uncle is in secluded cultivation and must not be disturbed. In any case, one or two years at most, barring any accidents, Elder Uncle and the others will surely return safely. We will address everything then."

Everyone nodded in agreement. Once He Yiming made a decision, even the brothers He Quanming and He Quanyi offered no further opposition.

※※※※

That night, as the company dispersed, He Yiming noticed his Fourth Sister’s silent plea in her eyes.

He nodded slightly and whispered, "Fourth Sister, wait for me at the training ground in the back courtyard." With that, he headed directly to his Third Uncle's room.

After explaining his intentions, He Yiming said sincerely, "Third Uncle, given the current status of our He family, there is no longer a need to rely on our daughters to forge relationships. Since Fourth Sister and Yuan Liling are mutually devoted, why not grant them their wish?"

He Quanyi fell silent for a long while before finally saying, "Yiming, do you think I want to break up this pair of lovers? In truth, I cannot bear to let her go."

He Yiming looked at him, baffled and completely perplexed.

He Quanyi shook his head slightly. "You have never been a father, so you cannot understand my feelings. Yuan Liling is a good child, yes, but he is, after all, the eldest grandson of the Yuan family, destined to lead it one day. Our Taicang County is not close to the Yuan family. If Yiling marries into their house, without support from her maternal family, won't she have to constantly defer to her in-laws?" He stated with an air of finality, "Yiling has always been gentle-natured since childhood; even if she suffers grievances, she won't complain to us. Here in Taicang County, we can offer some care, but if she goes far away to the Yuan family, we will be too far to offer any assistance. Therefore, I absolutely forbid this matter."

He Yiming was left speechless, utterly surprised that the opposition stemmed from such a reason.

But reflecting on it, for martial practitioners, the status of their primary wife could indeed be somewhat tragic, a point easily observed within the He family. Given his deep love for his daughter, his concerns were understandable.

Leaving his Third Uncle’s room, He Yiming arrived at the back courtyard training ground.

Not only He Yiling was there, but Yuan Liling was present as well. Although they maintained composure on the surface, their hearts were filled with anxiety.

He Yiming hesitated for a moment, sent his Fourth Sister away, and then, facing the increasingly constrained Yuan Liling, laid out his Third Uncle's worries without reservation. He stated plainly, "Brother Yuan, if you wish to marry my Fourth Sister, you must renounce your position as the next head of the Yuan family and reside permanently within our He family estate."

Yuan Liling’s expression shifted dramatically, appearing indecisive.

Finally, he gritted his teeth. "Master He, if I remain within the He family, can I achieve success in the martial path?"

He Yiming was inwardly thrilled. He couldn't guarantee other things, but assisting someone in martial progress for the sake of his Fourth Sister was, for him, a trivial matter.

"Given your aptitude, reaching the peak of the eighth level of Neijin in this lifetime would be your limit. The possibility of breaking through to the ninth level is minuscule. But if you stay with the He family, I guarantee you will reach the peak of the tenth level of Neijin before the age of sixty."

Yuan Liling’s eyes brightened. He finally declared, "Since I have Master He's promise, then Liling is willing to renounce the position of the next Yuan Family Head and remain forever within the He Family Manor, accompanying Yiling until our hair turns white."

A sharp glint flashed in He Yiming’s eyes. Although the matter had concluded satisfactorily, he couldn't help but feel puzzled.

His only reflection on this affair was that, in this world, the most unfathomable thing was the human heart. Neither women's nor men's hearts were things he could truly see through...

Ps: If I cannot see through it, neither can you. Bai He humbly requests monthly passes; please drown the inscrutable Bai He in them...

※※※※

"Superpowered Mighty Dragon" Book ID 1510140 Protagonist Li Weilong obtains supernatural True Qi and begins the pursuit and application of "as-you-wish" superpowers in the bustling metropolis. Unique cultivation process, ever-upgrading abilities, and a series of dazzling episodes... Everything you wish to see will not be absent here. Justice and evil fly together, superpowers coexist with reality—witness the spectacular life of Li Weilong.