The capital of the Kaifeng Kingdom was vast and prosperous, far surpassing even the capitals of Tianluo or the prefectural city of Zhengtong.

In the northwestern section of the capital resided most foreign envoys. With the exception of those from powerful states like the Tufan Principality, all envoys from Kaifeng’s vassal states were lodged here, this included numerous Innate realm experts.

Naturally, if these Innate experts arrived without representing a specific nation, they would have been afforded much better treatment. However, coming in the capacity of a Guardian Master made residence in this district unavoidable.

Flanking the Grand Avenue were towering trees, planted by the express order of the King of Kaifeng himself. Under the canopy at this moment, sunlight filtered through the leaves, scattering patches of molten gold across the ground. Xin Ran stepped through these golden pools, momentarily enveloped by the light.

He Yiming and Yuan Lixun walked side-by-side beneath the shade.

The two were smiling and engaged in light conversation, seemingly discussing something cheerful. Yet, in reality, their exchange lacked any trace of true levity.

“Young Master, what troubles you?”

He Yiming’s gaze held a flicker of exasperation. “I despise this place.” As he spoke, his ears twitched subtly.

Yuan Lixun’s eyes instantly fixed on his ears, and she understood immediately he was monitoring something. She covered her mouth with a soft laugh. “Why do you despise it here?”

He Yiming stared intently at her. No one would have guessed that the words he spoke were utterly at odds with the expression on his face.

“There are too many people here,” He Yiming stated earnestly. “Everything we do is under their scrutiny, which is why I detest it.”

Yuan Lixun blinked her expressive, large eyes and chuckled, “Young Master, since you dislike them, let us leave then.”

He Yiming hesitated, then shook his head. “This is the Kaifeng capital, after all. If we were to suddenly disappear, it would surely alert many people. Others I can ignore, but I do not wish to cause trouble for Elder Shui.”

A shadow crossed Yuan Lixun’s face. She lowered her voice, “Young Master, is Master Shui’s health truly declining?”

He Yiming sighed heavily. “It is true. The time the old man can spend looking after the Tianluo Kingdom is not long now.”

A silence fell between them. Since meeting Shui Xuanjin, this old man had earned their deepest affection. Their companionship had been harmonious, feeling somewhat like friends with nothing to hide, but even more so like close, loving family.

Thus, confirming Shui Xuanjin’s condition had cast a pall over their spirits.

After a moment, He Yiming shook his head. “Lixun, let’s take a tour of the city. Last time in Tianluo’s Fenglaixiang, I didn’t buy you much. This time, I must bring back more gifts.”

Yuan Lixun nodded gently. She understood that He Yiming’s words weren't sincere about shopping; he was merely trying to distract her.

Gently taking Yuan Lixun’s small hand, He Yiming glanced around and spoke, “Prepare a carriage for me; I wish to tour the city.”

His voice was not loud, but it traveled out as straight as an arrow.

Along the side of the Grand Avenue stood dozens of sturdy soldiers on guard. These soldiers appeared ordinary, but every single one possessed a cultivation base above the Sixth Layer of Inner Strength—undoubtedly the elite troops of the Kaifeng Kingdom.

The sudden sound of He Yiming’s voice reached their ears. They startled slightly, and two men swiftly darted away. Moments later, a lavish, luxurious carriage was delivered to He Yiming and Yuan Lixun.

He Yiming had already used his Wind-Following Ear esoteric skill to overhear their hushed conversations: they were tasked not only with external defense but also with secretly monitoring all members from the vassal states.

However, even if these Innate experts were not from their own Master Hall, they were still regarded with immense respect and awe, and the guards dared not show any lapse in diligence.

Upon hearing He Yiming’s voice, they immediately arranged a carriage for his use.

He Yiming glanced at the carriage and couldn't help but let out a short, dry laugh. It seemed these people spared no effort when dealing with Innate experts.

He recognized the insignia on the carriage clearly. If he wasn't mistaken, it was the unique mark of the Kaifeng Kingdom’s Master Hall.

In this city, any person with a modicum of understanding would know upon seeing that carriage that it belonged to the Master Hall, and those riding inside were naturally the Innate experts of that very institution. Furthermore, while in the city, anyone traveling in this carriage could move without restraint; even within the Imperial Palace, no fool would dare intercept it.

Of course, without the corresponding status, prestige, and strength, one could not ride in such a carriage, or the occupant would face disaster, and their family would suffer the consequences.

Taking Yuan Lixun’s hand, they boarded the luxurious vehicle and headed towards the city center.

As the carriage rolled down the Grand Avenue, most commoners who saw it bowed silently, demonstrating the profound reverence afforded to Innate experts within the capital.

Before long, they reached the city’s most vibrant street, lined with countless shops. Its prosperity far exceeded anything He Yiming had ever witnessed.

As soon as they arrived, several swift horses approached from behind. These horses, much like the carriage, galloped fearlessly down the center of the avenue, heading directly toward their carriage.

The luxurious carriage had two drivers, each a master of the Seventh Layer of Inner Strength.

While such skill was overkill for mere carriage driving, for the majority of unattached Seventh Layer Inner Strength experts, securing a position as a driver for such a conveyance was a dream come true. If, while serving, they caught the eye of an Innate expert, or if the master happened to offer a casual word of guidance out of whim, it would be an invaluable opportunity. For this faint, ethereal hope, not only Seventh Layer experts but even those at the Eighth or Ninth Layer of Houtian cultivation would not hesitate to take up the reins.

Seeing the approaching horses, the faces of the two drivers changed slightly, and they exchanged a glance. Though they couldn't quite believe that someone dared to charge towards a Master Hall carriage here, they dared not show the slightest complacency.

One of them sprang swiftly from the driver’s seat, landing lightly, circling the carriage, and positioning himself in the center of the avenue. He skirted around one side of the carriage, not daring to vault directly over it.

“Halt…”

A thunderous shout erupted from him, and simultaneously, he adopted a defensive posture. If these riders refused to slow their horses, he would unhesitatingly intercept them. Though He Yiming was not a native Innate expert, the dignity of an expert must not be violated.

The riders immediately reined in their horses. The knights on horseback gripped their saddles and dismounted with the grace of flying swallows. He had just caught his breath, and before he could speak, He Yiming’s voice echoed from within the carriage.

“Mingjin, are you looking for me?”

The tension instantly eased among the two carriage drivers. Since this was someone Master He knew, their worries vanished. However, looking at the young man who could be called a brother by Master He, yet whose visible strength seemed inferior even to their own, a flash of unconcealed jealousy crossed their eyes. This fellow’s luck was truly exceptional.

Xie Mingjin responded affirmatively, released his reins, and quickly approached the carriage.

The man who had been blocking the way paused slightly, stepped forward, and took the reins. Whether he liked it or not, there was no hint of strangeness on his face; he appeared as if he were a simple attendant, and this kind of intervention was his specialty.

“Brother He…” Xie Mingjin lowered his voice. “Master Shui Xuanjin sent me to ask you to return; he said there is something to discuss.”

He Yiming paused, hesitating slightly, and looked back towards Yuan Lixun.

Yuan Lixun was right beside him, and Xie Mingjin made no deliberate effort to avoid her, so she heard everything clearly. Though disappointed, she was understanding. “Young Master, if Master Shui seeks you, it must be an important matter. You should go quickly.”

He Yiming nodded slightly. “Very well, I will go now. But since we are already here, you should enjoy your outing.” With that, he lightly patted Xie Mingjin’s arm. “Mingjin, my sister-in-law wants to look around here for a while; help me look after her.”

Xie Mingjin thumped his chest. “Big Brother, rest assured, I understand.”

Hearing this address, Yuan Lixun’s cheeks flushed slightly, but she offered no rebuttal. Still, her heart felt sweet. Though this was not the first time she had heard such a term, every time she heard it, she felt a similar warmth.

He Yiming turned and strode away purposefully. His steps seemed slow, yet after just a few paces, he vanished from sight.

The two Seventh Layer Inner Strength drivers watched Yuan Lixun and Xie Mingjin exchange glances. This carriage was the standard transport provided by the Kaifeng Kingdom exclusively for the Masters of the Master Hall and visiting foreign masters. According to the Hall’s regulations, only masters who had reached the Innate Realm were entitled to this privilege.

Now, He Yiming had departed, but Yuan Lixun remained. They were no longer qualified to ride that carriage, but even if the two drivers were given ten times their courage, they would never dare demand she leave.

The two exchanged a look, then offered each other a wry smile, ultimately deciding to pretend they saw nothing.

On the busiest and most prosperous street in the Kaifeng capital, Xie Mingjin repeatedly referred to Yuan Lixun as his sister-in-law. Though naturally straightforward, he wasn't foolish and understood the value of treating the Master’s companion well. Here, anything Yuan Lixun showed the slightest interest in, he would wave his hand, and someone would step forward to purchase it.

Yuan Lixun offered polite resistance a couple of times initially, but eventually gave up in resignation. She was sharp enough to grasp Xie Mingjin’s intentions, and knowing how much He Yiming valued this close friend, she couldn't voice any complaint, so she let things proceed. However, she became much more cautious, ensuring she only noticed items she was genuinely interested in.

Even so, after a single circuit, Xie Mingjin’s accompanying guards were already laden with numerous large bags. Most of these items were not things Yuan Lixun had singled out, but if Xie Mingjin fancied them, they were acquired regardless—and the majority were items for women. Yuan Lixun could not miss the sentiment behind his actions, and could only offer a bitter smile inwardly.

Since He Yiming was absent, Yuan Lixun’s spirits were naturally subdued. She deliberately lingered a while longer, understanding He Yiming’s wishes, before retracing their path.

Xie Mingjin accompanied her back to the Grand Avenue, where the carriage waited on one side.

Yuan Lixun suddenly stopped, asking, “Brother Xie, forgive my forwardness, but why did Master Shui send you specifically?”

Although Xie Mingjin’s connection to He Yiming was widely known, he was not a native of the Tianluo Kingdom. It seemed unusual that Shui Xuanjin chose him to deliver the summons.

Xie Mingjin glanced around cautiously. “Master Shui was discussing matters with our kingdom’s Guardian Master when someone suddenly entered and handed Master Shui a letter. After reading it, Master Shui commanded that Master He be summoned. I happened to be nearby and eagerly volunteered to come.”

Yuan Lixun relaxed slightly, but worry shadowed her heart; she wondered what urgent matter required Shui Xuanjin to summon He Yiming so hastily.

Noticing the subtle unease on her face, Xie Mingjin understood her concern. His brows shot up, and Xie Mingjin declared loudly, “Sister-in-law, please do not worry. In this world, there is nothing that can stump Big Brother. Once he acts, the issue will surely be resolved.”

Ever since he witnessed He Yiming successfully advancing to the Innate Realm at the age of sixteen, He Yiming’s image in his mind had grown immeasurably grand. In his view, He Yiming was an omnipotent figure; any problem falling into his hands would be solved effortlessly.

Yuan Lixun gave a slight start, then shook her head and laughed softly. Having been by He Yiming’s side and experienced much with him, she realized her own confidence in him actually lagged behind Xie Mingjin’s.

Suddenly, a sound like rushing thunder—the pounding of hooves—approached from ahead of them.

Xie Mingjin’s expression shifted, and he instantly stepped forward. But faster than him were the Xie family guards surrounding him. These guards were all elite Inner Strength experts handpicked from the Xie clan. They knew that their Young Master’s connection to He Yiming guaranteed boundless future prospects, so they acted with extreme eagerness, hoping to leave the deepest impression.

There were more than ten fast horses approaching from a distance, and these riders were far more arrogant than Xie Mingjin. Even though they saw Yuan Lixun and Xie Mingjin in the center of the avenue, they showed absolutely no intention of slowing down.

Xie Mingjin’s face darkened. He shouted loudly, “Stop…”

However, the spirited horses did not halt; instead, they sped up fractionally, accompanied by bursts of joyous, mocking laughter from their riders.

In mere moments, the fast horses thundered right up to them. The Xie family guards immediately discarded the items they had just purchased and drew their weapons, slashing ruthlessly forward. Though they knew that anyone riding horses at such speed in this place could not be a simple character—perhaps they couldn't afford to offend even one of them—their Young Master stood behind them. Under these circumstances, no matter who was charging toward them, these guards would interpose themselves.

The leading rider suddenly let out an angry snort and yelled, “Insolent!”

Following his shout, a figure sprang from the back of a horse behind him. His speed surpassed that of the charging horses, and he flashed like lightning into the midst of the Xie guards. Those guards couldn't even perceive the man’s movement before feeling sharp pain; he had already kicked them away with incredible force.

Almost instantaneously, the guards who had formed a shield between Yuan Lixun, Xie Mingjin, and the riders were sent flying as if they had grown wings.

Xie Mingjin’s face grew pale. A true expert’s move reveals their true caliber instantly. This person displayed overwhelmingly formidable martial power. The Xie guards were at least Seventh Layer Inner Strength masters, yet in this person's hands, they couldn't last a single exchange. Fortunately, the attacker held back and did not aim to kill; although the guards who were struck looked fearsome, their fundamental well-being was intact, and given their constitution, they would fully recover after a period of rest.

Xie Mingjin’s face drained entirely of color. The arrogance displayed was extreme, far exceeding his imagination. Moreover, the strength of the attacker was unbelievably high—at least the level of Ninth Layer Inner Strength or above. Such power was something he could not possibly resist.

Seeing the leading, sturdy horse charging forward relentlessly, he cast aside all caution. He launched himself beside Yuan Lixun, shoving her hard towards the edge of the road. Simultaneously, he leaped with all his might in the opposite direction, instantly clearing the central avenue. In a predicament, one must yield; when strength fails, evasion is the only recourse.

But at that very moment, the leading swift horse shot past like a meteor chasing the moon. The knight on top laughed heartily, flicking his long horsewhip. The whip snaked through the air like a poisonous viper, twisting at an incredibly bizarre angle.

Crack…

A sharp sound exploded in the air. Yuan Lixun cried out in pain, and several beads of blood blossomed in the air.

Xie Mingjin’s eyes burned with rage. He had accepted the charge of looking after Yuan Lixun from He Yiming, and now, under this inexplicable disaster, Yuan Lixun was injured. How could he face He Yiming?

A savage roar erupted from his throat, his eyes filling with fierce, bloody light. With a furious lunge, he unleashed the fastest speed he had ever known, charging toward the rear of the leading horseman. His wrist flickered, and a dark, black gleam shot from his hand, cutting a beautiful arc through the air as it pursued the leading figure.