The moment that beast-like roar erupted, the experts who had injured several Xie family guards moved instantly. His movement was as swift as lightning, crossing the several meters between the two men in a single stride to reach Xie Mingjin’s side.

With a flick of his wrist, the man struck ahead of Xie Mingjin’s attack, successfully blocking the hidden weapon the latter had launched.

Xie Mingjin’s heart plunged to the depths. Such fearsome and terrifying skill—within the Xie family, perhaps only his eldest uncle and father could achieve it.

He immediately understood that this person who had leaped from the horse must be a top-tier expert at the tenth level of Inner Strength, a peak Houtian master.

After intercepting the projectile, the man struck out with his palm again. This strike was not fierce, and the force behind it was insufficient, but the execution was extremely fast.

Xie Mingjin had just lunged forward, doing his utmost to evade the blow, but before he could truly react, he felt a massive force slam into his body, followed by a bone-deep ache rapidly spreading from the point of impact throughout his entire frame.

His body soared several meters through the air before crashing heavily to the ground, his face already contorted in excessive pain. But in that instant, he clearly saw the face of the horseman, and he also saw the features of the man who had sent him flying.

And the visages of those two individuals were forever etched into his memory…

The riders on horseback departed like the wind, and the tenth-level Inner Strength master followed the cavalcade. However, before leaving, he still cast a glance at the luxurious carriage parked on the side of the main road.

Upon seeing the insignia on this carriage, the man paused slightly, his expression shifting subtly before he quickly hastened to catch up with the troop, disappearing into the dust.

But once he rejoined the column, he immediately issued an order to a certain member of the entourage. Although the recipient was confused and unimpressed, he dared not disobey. He could only comply, dismounting silently to return to his original position and secretly observe everything that followed.

Xie Mingjin lay twitching on the ground for a long time before he could finally catch his breath from the intense agony. When he managed to stand up stiffly, he saw Yuan Lixun, disheveled and battered. The moment he focused on her face, he couldn't help but gasp sharply.

There was a long, deep crimson gash across Yuan Lixun’s cheek. Xie Mingjin instantly recalled the strange whip strike delivered by the lead rider.

He realized immediately that the man’s action had been deliberate. That whip had been aimed squarely at Yuan Lixun’s face.

Although Yuan Lixun herself possessed the cultivation of the sixth level of Inner Strength, putting her on par with him, Xie Mingjin had years of hard-won combat experience honed under the dedicated training of Xie Nuanyi. Yuan Lixun, however, was an absolute novice.

Thus, when struck by that sudden whip, Yuan Lixun didn't even have a chance to dodge; she was struck directly.

Still, she was the only one among them who had not directly engaged with that terrifying tenth-level Inner Strength master. Therefore, apart from the whip mark on her face, she sustained no other injuries.

Presently, the two coachmen from the opulent carriage finally rushed over. Having witnessed the preceding scene, they were helpless until the cavalcade had galloped far away before daring to offer aid.

Xie Mingjin’s face had long turned ashen. He stepped forward and said, “Sister-in-law, please get into the carriage first.”

Yuan Lixun could naturally feel the burning pain on her face. As a young woman, she cared deeply about her appearance. Knowing that her looks were certainly ruined, her mind became a chaotic jumble, leaving her completely lost.

At Xie Mingjin’s words, she nodded subconsciously and slipped into the carriage.

Xie Mingjin turned to face the two coachmen and demanded sternly, “You two, which household’s people were those who just passed by?”

The two coachmen exchanged a look, offering a wry smile. One, slightly older, replied, “Those people rode too fast; we couldn't see clearly.”

A surge of anger rose in Xie Mingjin’s chest. He had witnessed their behavior moments ago and already guessed that these two certainly knew the background of that group. They were merely too fearful to speak of it.

His expression darkened, but glancing at the guards who had managed to stagger up, each wincing in pain, he had to forcefully suppress the volatile fury welling inside him.

These two men before him were no ordinary drivers. Without overwhelming strength, forcing information from them might prove difficult when their own wounded needed care.

Xie Mingjin forced a strained smile. Whether due to his injuries or his foul mood, the expression was more wretched than a cry.

“Gentlemen, would you please take us back?”

Seeing that Xie Mingjin had dropped his inquiry about the horsemen’s origins, the two men sighed in relief. Escorting Xie Mingjin and Yuan Lixun back was, of course, their duty, and they agreed readily, acting with double the caution they usually displayed.

The mounted company continued to thunder down the center of the main road, passing through nearly half the city district before halting before a massive manor.

The leader leaped down; his expression was quite ill-humored, clearly exasperated by some matter.

Once he dismounted, the other riders followed suit, accompanying him into the manor grounds.

The peak Houtian master at the tenth level of Inner Strength quickly stepped forward a few paces and addressed him, “Your Highness, Fourth Prince.”

The leader was none other than Bu Xingcong, the Fourth Prince of the Tu Fan Kingdom. He had left the city today to hunt with the Second Prince of the Kai Rong Kingdom, but the outcome had been decidedly unfavorable, ending in his defeat.

This was why he was incandescent with rage, speeding down the main road at the fastest pace upon entering the city.

Along the way, he had knocked aside several Kai Rong nobles who dared travel in the center of the road. However, relative to his status, these were trifles, insufficient to vent the fury burning within him.

Yet, upon hearing the voice of the guard captain, Bu Xingcong paused his steps and asked, “Bu Rong, what is it?”

Bu Rong hesitated slightly. “Your Highness, those few people we encountered just now seem to have some background.”

Bu Xingcong snorted coldly. “What background? Are the laws of the Kai Rong Kingdom capable of governing me?”

Though Bu Rong felt internal dissatisfaction, he dared not voice it.

Given Bu Xingcong’s status, especially being close to Mu Jintian, even if he had offended members of the Kai Rong royalty, as long as no irreparable loss of life occurred, everything could be negotiated.

At least, for the sake of Mu Jintian and the Tu Fan Kingdom, the matter would likely conclude with the payment of a small fine.

However, this time, the situation might not be so simple.

Bu Rong offered a bitter smile. “Your Highness, as I was catching up, I saw a carriage halted at the edge of the road, and those people seemed to be the owners of that vehicle.”

Bu Xingcong sneered. “What carriage? Which family’s?”

His tone carried an air of utter indifference, as if he held the meritorious nobles of the Kai Rong Kingdom in no regard whatsoever.

Sighing inwardly, Bu Rong knew the Fourth Prince was accustomed to acting recklessly in his own domain and had brought that bad habit with him to the Kai Rong Kingdom.

But this was one of the three great powers of the Northwest, renowned throughout the world alongside the Tu Fan Kingdom, not some subsidiary state. The Prince’s behavior here could invite unnecessary trouble for the nation.

Yet, Bu Rong was unaware that Prince Bu Xingcong’s temper would invite not mere petty troubles, but a colossal disaster that even Mu Jintian could not easily withstand.

Seeing Bu Rong’s hesitation, Bu Xingcong impatiently pressed, “Whose carriage was it?”

Bu Rong reluctantly looked up and lowered his voice slightly. “Your Highness, it was a carriage exclusive to the Grand Academy Hall of the Kai Rong Kingdom.”

Bu Xingcong froze. This time, a look of gravity appeared on his face as well. Though he was arrogant and unrestrained, he understood the standing of a Xiantian expert within a nation. More importantly, Xiantian experts possessed formidable personal martial might; if one chose to discard decorum and launch a covert assassination, even Mu Jintian could not guarantee his own life.

After all, Mu Jintian could not remain by his side every single moment; that would amount to house arrest.

Thinking of this, he showed a rare flicker of agitation. “Go and investigate exactly which Xiantian Master’s family we encountered.”

Bu Rong bowed his head and replied quietly.

Behind them, the other attendants finally grasped the identity of the people they had just met. They felt a wave of relief; it was fortunate they had only encountered the family members of a Xiantian expert, and not the master himself. Otherwise, it would be them moaning on the ground right now, not those others.

Not long after, the man Bu Rong had dispatched earlier returned successfully.

When Bu Xingcong learned that the carriage had entered the embassy district designated for subsidiary nations rather than the Kai Rong Grand Academy Hall, the weight on his heart lifted by half.

As long as it was not a Grand Master from the Kai Rong Kingdom, they would not receive the Kingdom’s full support. And the Guardian Masters of minor nations—given the right price, they could likely be dealt with easily. After all, not every Xiantian expert would be willing to antagonize Mu Jintian and the Tu Fan Kingdom behind him over such a matter.

Within the Embassy District, He Yiming proceeded unhurriedly to the courtyard where Master Shui Xuanjin resided.

Within the embassy complex, the most respected individuals were undoubtedly the Xiantian experts. They were the pillars of the entire nation and enjoyed corresponding treatment.

Shui Xuanjin’s residence was not only vast but also exquisitely elegant, bearing similarities to his Shaoming Residence in the Tian Luo Kingdom. This suggested that the Kai Rong Kingdom paid exceptional attention to these visiting Xiantian experts, investing significant effort in gathering intelligence on their preferences.

This was a display of national strength; at the very least, it was something impossible to achieve with such perfection in the Tian Luo Kingdom. Of course, given the prestige of the Tian Luo Kingdom, it was difficult to invite so many Xiantian experts to their capital in the first place, rendering even the most meticulous construction useless.

He Yiming strolled through the manor grounds, completely unconcerned.

He trusted that if any truly urgent matter arose, it would not be Xie Mingjin coming to find him, but rather one of Shui Xuanjin’s disciples, or perhaps the Master himself.

Before stepping into the courtyard, He Yiming had already sensed two powerful auras within the enclosure—auras that indicated a certain communion with the essence of heaven and earth, signifying two distinguished Xiantian experts.

When these Xiantian masters did not conceal their presence, other masters of the same realm could easily locate their positions and ascertain their numbers.

Moments later, He Yiming arrived upon a certain pavilion tower.

As his foot touched the decking, he heard Shui Xuanjin’s familiar voice ring out: “Brother He, you’ve returned quite quickly.”

He Yiming smiled faintly. “Since Elder Brother invited me, how could this junior dare to delay.”

Shui Xuanjin laughed heartily. Hearing this remark, which was half flattery and half respect, he felt quite pleased. To form such a friendship in the final stage of his life was indeed the greatest fortune of his existence. Yet, he knew this courtesy stemmed from He Yiming being aware of his rapidly dwindling time.

In contrast, Ting Shiguang, seated opposite him, still wore an expression of regret.

He had been the first Xiantian expert He Yiming met after achieving his own breakthrough.

If he had known He Yiming would accept the Tian Luo Kingdom’s invitation to serve as the Guardian Master for a minor state, he would have surely spared no expense to secure He Yiming as the Guardian Master for the Huo Wu Kingdom.

But it was too late now; some things, once missed, can never be retrieved.

“Brother He, please sit,” Shui Xuanjin said with a warm smile, already having risen.

Seeing that Shui Xuanjin was not rushing into conveying bad news, He Yiming felt even more assured. He sat down beside the two Xiantian masters, noticed the tea on the table, poured himself a cup, and took a sip, smacking his lips twice, yet seemingly unable to appreciate it at all.

Observing his manner, Ting Shiguang couldn't help but shake his head silently and sigh, “A pity, a real pity.”

Shui Xuanjin laughed loudly. “To each their own path. A clear heart and free action—that is the true principle.”

He Yiming naturally understood what Ting Shiguang lamented and smiled. “Brother Ting, to my eyes, what is called fine tea, once steeped, is merely water that quenches thirst somewhat better. Some might use the Way of Tea to elevate their personal cultivation, but that path is certainly not suited for me.”

Ting Shiguang paused, pondering for a moment before finally nodding. “Brother He speaks the truth. The Great Dao has a thousand paths; the suitable route varies for each person.”

Shui Xuanjin also sighed deeply. “In this world, there are too many things that capture our interest, too many for even our lifespan to fully explore. To find one thing to devote oneself to completely—that is already a blessing.”

Ting Shiguang looked at Shui Xuanjin with surprise. He vaguely sensed that his old friend’s mentality had undergone a significant shift compared to ten years prior, carrying an almost transcendent air. Such a psychological transformation was often a hundred times more difficult to achieve than an increase in Zhen Qi. He truly couldn't fathom how Shui Xuanjin had seen through everything.

“Brother Shui, your cultivation has advanced leaps and bounds beyond ten years ago,” Ting Shiguang said sincerely. “I truly don't know when I will catch up to you.”

Shui Xuanjin’s eyes held a strange glint. He gave a wry smile. “Brother Ting, my breakthrough past the mental shackles was merely a fortunate accident born of necessity. You shouldn’t envy it.”

Ting Shiguang was greatly perplexed, but the light in He Yiming’s eyes dimmed slightly.

The fact that Shui Xuanjin’s life was drawing to a close was not common knowledge. Without He Yiming’s unique sense, even Su Jun, without taking action, could not have discerned Shui Xuanjin’s true state.

Thus, these Xiantian masters were unaware that the reason for Shui Xuanjin’s profound shift in state of mind was precisely because he knew his end was near, allowing him to see through things he previously couldn't, as if through sudden enlightenment.

But this was merely an ideological liberation; to advance further, given his age and strength, was now impossible.

He Yiming coughed lightly, diverting the conversation from the melancholic topic. “Elder Brother Shui, why did you ask me to return?”

Shui Xuanjin took out a sealed letter and tossed it over. “This arrived from the He Family Manor back home. It specifically demands your immediate personal perusal.”

He Yiming nodded slightly, examining the seal, knowing it hadn't been tampered with. He then broke the seal and took out the letter.

After a cursory glance, a smile instantly appeared on He Yiming’s face.

Shui Xuanjin asked curiously, “Brother He, is there some good news?”

He Yiming folded the letter and put it away. “Nothing major. Just that an elder from home has returned to the Manor, putting my mind at ease.”

The content of the letter was simple: He Laibao had returned to the He Family Manor to hold the fort, bringing five Hengshan disciples at the ninth level of Inner Strength.

Among these five disciples, two were descendants of He Wujin from the Spiritual Medicine Peak, and the other three were direct disciples of Lu Zhengyi.

With their return to the He Family Manor, the peak martial strength in the manor immediately soared to become the foremost in Taichong County. Unless a Xiantian expert appeared, the He Family Manor would be unshakeable.

What reassured He Yiming even more was that his uncle was well in Hengshan. Out of deference to He Yiming, the four Elder generation figures and the Supreme Elder of the Hengshan lineage now viewed him with respect.

The spiritual herbs on Spiritual Medicine Peak were entirely open to him, and they even personally guided his martial cultivation path.

With such powerful external support, if He Quanxin still failed to advance to the Xiantian realm, it would simply be his destiny, beyond the power of man to alter.

The three chatted and laughed for a while, exchanging insights on martial arts.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted from a distance, heading directly toward the courtyard where He Yiming was staying.

He Yiming’s ears twitched slightly. His expression shifted dramatically. Without even offering a parting word, he stomped his feet and vanished instantly…

P.S.: There should be one more chapter around 10 PM tonight, sigh… Separating them was unavoidable; life is hard without saved drafts, time always feels insufficient, so please forgive me!!!