Mao Lieguang, the second-ranked Innate master in the Grand Hall of the Kai Rong Kingdom. Among the top ten Innate experts in the entire Kai Rong Kingdom, apart from that ancestor of the royal family, who was rumored to have already reached the Celestial Gate realm while constantly in seclusion, Mao Lieguang was practically number one.

A figure of this caliber was not only hailed as the foremost within the Kai Rong Kingdom but also ranked among the top few in the myriad nations under Kai Rong’s sphere of influence. It was precisely due to this immense power that he was able to mentor a disciple like Cheng Fu, who was also at the Innate realm.

However, on this particular day, Mao Lieguang’s near-invincible myth among his peers was shattered. Before his confrontation with He Yiming, no one had anticipated that the outcome would be decided so cleanly in a mere single move.

The disparity between them was not in technique, nor in experience, but a tangible gap in sheer, brute force. The two sharp manifestations of Metal element energy collided with the most intense impact, and the result was Mao Lieguang’s decisive defeat.

The ground beneath them suddenly cracked open, spreading like a spiderweb from beneath Mao Lieguang’s feet. Accompanied by that bone-chilling sound, all eyes were irresistibly drawn there.

The fissures seemed to continue splitting endlessly, finally reaching the gates of Shao Ming Residence. Under the astonished gaze of everyone present, the grand entrance began to sway precariously.

At this point, those observers finally realized, belatedly: although the exchange between the two Innate masters appeared unremarkable, the destructive power they unleashed was unimaginably vast. Some who had been fortunate enough to witness He Yiming clash with Cheng Fu inwardly sighed, acknowledging this as a true confrontation between higher-level Innate masters.

Though lacking the flashiness of Cheng Fu’s battles, the concealed destruction was no less, perhaps even more severe. In terms of sheer thrill and impact, it was also slightly superior.

Shui Xuanjin let out a long sigh, swept his sleeve, and the entire gate trembled before collapsing with a deafening crash. Dust flew up across the entire venue, and as the smoke cleared, the onlookers flanking the area suddenly realized that the three Innate masters who had been standing in the center, and even Yuan Lixun standing nearby, had vanished.

They had been so intensely focused that they hadn't registered how these individuals had departed. The onlookers exchanged glances, a chill creeping into their hearts, and they quietly retreated from that place of trouble.

Nevertheless, the news of the duel between the two Innate masters spread with the speed of wings. Although it was merely a private exchange of blows, the transmission speed of this intelligence surpassed even that of the national war between He Yiming and Cheng Fu.

He Yiming’s name was now firmly etched into the minds of every Innate expert within the Kai Rong Kingdom’s sphere of influence, stamped with an even more formidable prestige. ※※※※ Inside Shao Ming Residence, He Yiming and Yuan Lixun sat quietly by the courtyard edge.

Across from them were Shui Xuanjin and Mao Lieguang, who just moments ago had been so arrogant. However, contrary to what He Yiming and Yuan Lixun expected, Mao Lieguang now exhibited not a trace of his former haughtiness; instead, he wore a smile, appearing like a completely harmless and benevolent elder.

He Yiming felt a rush of complex emotions; truly, the vast world held endless wonders. Though Mao Lieguang and Cheng Fu were master and disciple, their personalities were diametrically opposed.

Once defeated, Cheng Fu immediately turned and left, yet there seemed to be an unyielding spirit of refusal clinging to him. He Yiming was quite certain that Cheng Fu, upon returning, would train assiduously, perhaps even achieving a second enlightenment that would vastly increase his power.

But Mao Lieguang, after his defeat, felt no shame. On the contrary, he abandoned his previous cold demeanor, sitting down with He Yiming as if nothing had happened, his speech immediately becoming exceptionally polite and showing him an unexpected degree of respect.

This conduct caused He Yiming’s estimation of him to plummet, and he responded to Mao Lieguang’s overtures with detachment. Having witnessed his behavior, He Yiming was certain that Mao Lieguang’s martial path had reached its zenith; he would never advance further in this lifetime.

Still, no matter how much He Yiming despised the man’s actions and character, he could not afford to display it openly in his presence. You can discard your dignity, but I still value mine.

Fortunately, Shui Xuanjin was there to keep company. This old fox hadn't lived for over two hundred years for nothing; his words flowed effortlessly, vivid and engaging.

With him present and willing to expend the effort of speech, it was hard for the atmosphere not to become lively. Under Shui Xuanjin’s subtle, probing questions, He Yiming selectively recounted his recent trip to Hengshan.

Upon learning that He Yiming was not only the Protector Grandmaster of the Tian Luo Kingdom but also an Innate Elder of the Hidden Sect Hengshan, Mao Lieguang’s demeanor became even more amiable. Although He Yiming understood Shui Xuanjin’s good intentions, he didn't mind borrowing the prestige of Hengshan for a moment.

“Brother He, how is Elder Yu Jinglei of your sect?” Mao Lieguang asked, his eyes flashing with divine light. He Yiming smiled faintly, but inwardly felt disdain; having just suffered a setback at his hands, this man was now trying to cozy up to him.

However, since the question concerned Yu Jinglei, he couldn't avoid answering. So, he spun a convincing tale: “Martial Uncle Yu eats three full bowls of rice with every meal and is in robust health.

Thank you for asking, Brother Mao.” Mao Lieguang chuckled vaguely, but his heart was full of suspicion. Did an Innate expert truly need to eat three bowls of rice per meal?

Perhaps Yu Jinglei’s health was failing, which was why He Yiming was talking nonsense so carelessly. Yet, observing He Yiming’s expression, he couldn't be certain.

Although the Hengshan lineage was deep within the mountains, it still lay within the Kai Rong Kingdom’s sphere of influence. The Kai Rong royal family had long coveted the resources atop Hengshan.

Especially the herb garden with millennia of history and the powerful alchemy chambers—these were treasures that made any power intensely envious. However, Hengshan boasted numerous Innate experts, and more terrifyingly, a Celestial Gate expert.

This alone was enough to make any prospective contender reconsider deeply. “Brother Mao, have you met Martial Uncle Yu before?” Under He Yiming’s half-smiling gaze, Mao Lieguang managed an awkward laugh.

“Brother He, in my youth, I had the honor of meeting Elder Yu twice, which is why I remain concerned.” He Yiming nodded slightly and ceased paying attention to the man. Yet, Mao Lieguang seemed unwilling to quit, continuing with a sly grin: “Brother He, it is rumored that the Hengshan lineage has not produced a new Innate master in this past Jiazi cycle.

Your entry into the mountain this time must have been a great boon to them, undoubtedly yielding substantial rewards.” He Yiming grew increasingly displeased; from Mao Lieguang’s tone, it sounded as if he were some sort of opportunistic plunderer. He gave a cold smile.

“Brother Mao’s information seems somewhat dated.” Mao Lieguang paused, hesitating. “What does Brother He mean by that?” He Yiming’s expression was impassive.

“A new Innate Elder has already emerged within the Hengshan lineage. My trip this time was merely adding icing to the cake; it certainly wasn't like sending charcoal in snowy weather.” Mao Lieguang was instantly stunned, his expression shifting several times, his suspicion growing stronger.

He Yiming was not actually lying; he had simply reversed the sequence of events. This way, even if Mao Lieguang and others knew that Lu Zhengyi had stepped into the Innate realm, they would never connect it to him.

Shui Xuanjin burst into laughter, growing happier the more he listened. Now that the Tian Luo Kingdom was tied to He Yiming, and He Yiming was a Hengshan Elder, the stronger Hengshan became, the more stable the Tian Luo Kingdom’s status would be.

At this moment, he wished for more and more Innate Elders in Hengshan. “Brother Mao, since Brother He has arrived, we can discuss the main business.” He Yiming’s eyes narrowed slightly.

It turned out Shui Xuanjin had summoned him back concerning this very Innate master from the Kai Rong Kingdom. He wondered suspiciously if they were unwilling to accept defeat and planned another national war wager.

Mao Lieguang smiled as if waking from a dream. “Brother He, I have come this time to deliver an invitation to you.” “An invitation?” He Yiming looked doubtful.

“Does your kingdom have any great joyous occasion recently?” Mao Lieguang shook his head slightly. “No great joy, but envoys from the Tu Fan vassal state have arrived in Kai Rong, totaling eight Innate masters.” He Yiming’s smiling face instantly froze, his eyes holding inexpressible astonishment.

If he hadn't misheard, Mao Lieguang had said twelve Innate masters. He rapidly calculated in his mind: the Kai Rong Grand Hall already housed ten Innate masters, and now eight more had arrived.

This meant there were suddenly nearly twenty Innate experts within the Kai Rong borders. He stared fixedly at Shui Xuanjin, his gaze conveying a silent question: When did the rare Innate masters become so common...?

Shui Xuanjin coughed hastily. “Brother He, the Tu Fan Kingdom is one of the three major powers among our Northwestern nations.

The sheer number of Innate experts they possess is no less than Kai Rong’s. Furthermore, half of those who have arrived are actually Protector Grandmasters from the smaller states under Tu Fan’s jurisdiction.” He Yiming finally understood, but still asked, “Why are so many of them gathered together?” Mao Lieguang grinned widely.

“These Innate masters have come here bringing large quantities of rare goods and have invited masters from our various nations to conduct trade.” “Precisely. At that gathering, there will be trade in all sorts of rare medicinal herbs and refined potent artifacts.

Moreover, the alchemists from both nations will be refining Vitality Golden Pills on-site, and every attending Innate master can share one,” Shui Xuanjin stated solemnly. “These are excellent supplements for their disciples.

Usually, obtaining them requires paying a considerable price.” “Vitality Golden Pills?” He Yiming scoffed dismissively. If it were Limit Breaking Golden Pills, He Yiming might have been moved, but Vitality Golden Pills held little attraction for him now.

Thanks to Hengshan’s millennia of accumulation, the quantity of Vitality Golden Pills he possessed was already quite substantial. Furthermore, he himself had successfully refined two batches using different primary ingredients, making it something he no longer needed to dwell upon.

His expression was noted by the two Innate masters. Mao Lieguang gave a wry smile.

“Brother He is an Elder of Hengshan, so naturally, he wouldn't care for Vitality Golden Pills, but those of us below certainly value them highly.” Shui Xuanjin also nodded secretly. Hidden Sects like theirs generally possessed herb gardens inherited over thousands of years.

More crucially, all such sects shared a common trait: their mountain gates were almost invariably located deep within remote mountains, far from ordinary mortals. That environment was by no means barren or harsh, but rather a blessed grotto teeming with the energy of heaven and earth, incomparable to the outside world.

Cultivating there, even for those not at the Innate realm, offered immense benefits. Any individual with outstanding talent could rely on their own efforts to cultivate to the tenth layer of Internal Force.

Thus, while they could refine a large supply of Vitality Golden Pills, their actual demand for this specific pill was the lowest. Over time, their stockpiles naturally grew increasingly vast.

Shui Xuanjin suddenly smiled. “Brother He, if you have any surplus Vitality Golden Pills, you could certainly exchange them for things you desire with the other masters at the Grand Exchange Meet.” He Yiming’s heart fluttered slightly.

He asked gravely, “Are artifacts also available for trade there?” “Of course. But you understand the value of artifacts; exchanging for treasures of that magnitude is not easy.” He Yiming frowned slightly and then gave a bitter laugh.

“Alas, I happen to have no surplus Vitality Golden Pills, nor any rare treasures on my person, so I must forgo this opportunity.” In truth, he did possess one treasure—that massive white stone hidden in the valley, which was absolutely an unknown artifact. However, before understanding its origin or function, He Yiming would absolutely not use it lightly.

The principle that an innocent man is ruined by possessing valuables was drilled into him countless times by Old Master He Wude back at the He Family Manor when they first acquired the Golden Crown Python, making it difficult to forget. A trace of surprise flickered across Mao Lieguang’s face, and he turned to look at Shui Xuanjin.

The veteran Grandmaster of the Tian Luo Kingdom let out a hearty laugh. “Brother He, you jest.

As the Protector Grandmaster of the Tian Luo Kingdom, you are entitled to all the rare treasures the nation has managed to gather. I will accompany you to the national treasury shortly to select some items; we cannot allow others to look down on the Tian Luo Kingdom.” He Yiming was inwardly delighted.

He hadn't expected the position of Protector Grandmaster came with such privileges. Mao Lieguang laughed heartily, his expression utterly transformed from his initial one.

No one could connect him with the stern man from earlier, nor could anyone guess from his current attitude that he had just been defeated by He Yiming. Even after the banquet concluded, his smile remained undiminished.

As He Yiming was departing, looking at this unconventional Innate expert, a sudden wave of fear washed over him from the bottom of his heart. If a person is invincible when they have no shame, then what happens when an Innate expert discards their sense of propriety entirely?

※※※※ He Yiming’s return was also a momentous event for the Tian Luo royal family. When Shui Xuanjin and He Yiming arrived at the Imperial Treasury in the palace's rear courtyard, Crown Prince Yu Xiaoyi was already waiting.

Yu Xiaoyi, who held immense authority within the Tian Luo Kingdom, acted exceedingly respectfully before the two Innate masters. He opened the treasury doors, and after the two Grandmasters entered, he quietly closed them, not even stepping inside himself.

The only person permitted to accompany them into the Imperial Treasury was Shui Xuanjin’s chief disciple, Xue Lie. “Brother He, this Imperial Treasury was specially constructed for me by my old friend.

Every item within the Tian Luo Kingdom that is useful to an Innate master is stored here, including many strange objects whose origins cannot be discerned,” Shui Xuanjin said proudly. “Xue Lie has always been responsible for organizing and cleaning this treasury; only the Sovereign is permitted entry besides us.” He Yiming’s gaze swept over the interior of the treasury twice, and he was inwardly startled.

His perception was now far beyond what it used to be; in just a moment, he identified numerous valuable items within the vault. There were not only a considerable number of specially treated spiritual herbs and medicines, but also several pieces of armor and weaponry glowing with strange light.

Beyond that, there were many unidentified minerals, some of which He Yiming could not name. Though he couldn't identify everything, the presence of Magnetite Steel was unmistakable.

He let out a deep sigh. “Brother Shui, your collection is truly magnificent, opening my eyes completely.” Shui Xuanjin chuckled dryly.

“In truth, every nation’s Protector Grandmaster possesses a similar Imperial Treasury. It’s just that mine has been under construction for a longer period, so I’ve collected slightly more.” He gestured around and then declared loudly, “Brother He, from this day forward, this Imperial Treasury belongs to you.” Xue Lie stood by quietly, as if he hadn't heard a word, his expression unchanging.

He Yiming, however, was taken aback and quickly protested, “Brother Shui, that is not my intention.” Shui Xuanjin waved his hand and smiled. “Since you know my lifespan is not long, there is no need to decline.

While these items are excellent, I have no way to bring them to the afterlife. Moreover, these things can only reach their maximum potential in the hands of an Innate master.

Looking across all of Tian Luo, you are the only one qualified to inherit them.” He Yiming opened his mouth, remained silent for a long moment, and finally conceded, “If that is the case, then I accept this undeserved honor.” Shui Xuanjin laughed heartily, his laughter containing satisfaction, but also a trace of sentimentality and reluctance. No matter who they were or for what reason, giving away a collection amassed over a century would evoke similar feelings.

He Yiming, having accepted this grand gift, sighed inwardly as well. Shui Xuanjin’s action was identical to Yuan Chengzhi’s: binding him to their chariot using benefits.

Although the price they paid differed, and the values varied immensely, there was no doubt that they shared the same underlying motive. In accepting this gift, He Yiming simultaneously assumed corresponding responsibilities.

Whether he gained the upper hand in this transaction was truly a complicated ledger. “Brother He, let’s pick out some items and prepare for our journey,” a strange light flashed across Shui Xuanjin’s face.

“This will be my last time attending such an Innate gathering. We must bring some good things; we can’t let ourselves be looked down upon.” He Yiming looked up, and thinking of the old man’s nearing end, felt an inexplicable pang of sadness.

Ps: I had intended to write more, but my little one is off work on Saturday and kept clinging to Bai He, leaving me no time, sigh... Today only two chapters totaling ten thousand words.

However, for monthly votes, Bai He knows he must push himself, but Saturdays and Sundays are genuinely impossible. So, starting next Monday until Friday, Bai He will update fifteen thousand words daily.

Five consecutive days of fifteen thousand words—please look forward to it, Crane Friends... ※※※※ Introducing a new book—War Saint.

There is a direct link on the book page; click to enter. In the Continent of Battle Qi, cultivating Battle Qi to become strong is the dream of every youth.

Mo Lin’s dream, however, is his nightmare; a birthmark causes him unbearable pain and prevents him from cultivating Battle Qi, making him an anomaly. He does not give up; he stubbornly seeks out his own source world, forging his own path to power...