"I've found a lovely spot to reside here. If Brother He has the time, please honor my humble abode with your presence," Zhan Tianfeng extended the invitation with a gentle smile.

He Yiming pondered for just a moment before readily accepting. However, before departing, he offered a slight nod toward Shui Xuanjin, Ting Shiguang, and the others.

Although they hadn't truly assisted him in his immediate needs, the sentiment alone was enough for He Yiming to appreciate their intentions. Seemingly understanding the meaning behind He Yiming’s gaze, Shui Xuanjin and the rest were overjoyed.

Among them, two individuals who had been quite apprehensive and undecided were now ecstatic. They all rejoiced that they had followed the crowd this time; otherwise, not only would they fail to further their acquaintance with He Yiming, but they would also have incurred the displeasure of this supremely powerful cultivator whose future was boundless.

Led by Zhan Tianfeng, He Yiming and the other figure departed with an air of casual elegance. Watching the receding backs of the pair, the onlookers were filled with a complex mix of emotions.

Especially when their gazes turned toward He Yiming, they were all tinged with a fervent heat. Barely half a day ago, they were all masters of the same level—Hundred Dispersion Heaven—but in the whirlwind of the past few hours, He Yiming’s status had undergone an unimaginable transformation.

An expert of the One Line Heaven realm, from this day forward, stood as the heavens above them, while they remained rooted on the earth below. After an indeterminate amount of time, these Innate experts silently observed one another.

Yet, from beginning to end, no one dared to spare another glance at Bu Xingcong, not even Mu Jintian. It was not due to inherent coldness in his nature, but rather the consequences brought about by Bu Xingcong were far too dire.

Under such circumstances, even the most composed individuals could no longer tolerate him. Mao Lieguang naturally assumed the role of mediator, attempting to smooth things over among the few Innate masters present on either side.

At this juncture, everyone understood that the matter had reached a conclusion; no one retained any interest in pursuing it further. It was two hours later by the time servants and attendants were summoned to clean up everything, including the complete collection of the corpses of Bu Xingcong and that ill-fated Innate expert.

Though Mu Jintian’s expression was somber and his complexion poor, no one dared to underestimate him because of it. Even though he had not broken through to the One Line Heaven realm, relying on his chilling frost energy, he remained virtually unmatched among the Hundred Dispersion Heaven masters.

With all the arrangements settled, Mao Lieguang cleared his throat lightly and inquired, "Esteemed sirs, shall the Master Trading Meet we originally agreed upon proceed as scheduled?" All eyes turned to Mu Jintian; only he held the authority to decide such matters. Mu Jintian hesitated briefly before immediately declaring, "Of course, it will proceed as scheduled.

Everyone need not feel constrained by the affair involving Bu Xingcong." He paused, then added solemnly, "The friendship between the Tu Fan Kingdom and the Kai Rong Kingdom will absolutely not be altered by this incident." Shui Xuanjin’s brow furrowed slightly, and he let out a soft snort. Although the sound was faint, everyone standing there, save perhaps the blissfully ignorant Xie Mingjin, was sharp enough to catch it.

Mu Jintian offered a wry smile and supplemented, "It was my oversight. The friendship between the Tu Fan Kingdom and the Tian Luo Kingdom will likewise remain unaffected by this minor matter." Only then did Shui Xuanjin nod in satisfaction.

Having secured Mu Jintian’s promise, he finally felt truly at ease. A promise from an Innate expert like himself carried far more weight and reliability than mere political declarations.

Mao Lieguang, however, frowned ever so slightly, unseen by others. Mu Jintian’s statement had placed the Kai Rong Kingdom and the Tian Luo Kingdom on equal footing, suggesting the two nations were now operating on the same level.

Whether this was intentional maneuvering or an inadvertent remark by Mu Jintian, it signaled no good omen. The attendees agreed upon the specific time for the Master Trading Meet and were about to disperse, but suddenly, a robust and hearty laugh echoed in from outside the doorway.

"Junior Brother, you have finally succeeded in your breakthrough! If Master knew, he would surely be overjoyed." This voice resonated like rolling winter thunder.

Though not overtly loud, anyone who heard it felt a jolt of alarm course through them. At that moment, everyone involuntarily recalled He Yiming’s own resonant shout.

Moments later, a burly man appeared before them. He appeared middle-aged, sporting a thick, bushy beard—the very image of a sturdy Northern man.

Upon his arrival, his gaze fell first upon Mu Jintian. Then, the smile on his face slowly froze, eventually giving way to eyes flickering with uncertain astonishment.

"Junior Brother, what is happening here? You haven't broken through, so who was it that just utilized ice-based power to advance?

Also, who injured you? Was it that old man Zhan Tianfeng?" His words tumbled out like firecrackers, each one faster than the last.

Coupled with his distinct Northern Frontier accent, it was difficult for others to fully grasp what he was trying to articulate. However, Mu Jintian, having spent significant time with this man, heard him clearly and replied with a strained smile, "Senior Brother Zhuo, let it all pass.

Your junior brother was not injured by Zhan Tianfeng." Senior Brother Zhuo blinked his large eyes, his face a mask of confusion. "In the Kai Rong Kingdom, besides Zhan Tianfeng, is there truly anyone else capable of harming you?" His eyes suddenly widened.

"Could it be that person who just broke through?" Mu Jintian pursed his lips and abruptly questioned, "Senior Brother Zhuo, why have you come here?" Senior Brother Zhuo chuckled, "I came under Master's orders to serve as your escort." He inclined his head toward the north, "Master said that you are at a critical juncture and could break through to One Line Heaven at any moment. Therefore, he ordered me to follow you from a distance so that I could stand guard for you should any complication arise." Gratitude dawned in Mu Jintian’s eyes.

He drew a deep breath, faced the north, and bowed respectfully from afar. Though he spoke no words, his devout demeanor clearly conveyed the depth of his emotion.

Mao Lieguang’s expression shifted several times as he steeled himself and addressed Mu Jintian, "Brother Mu, who is this senior...?" From Senior Brother Zhuo, they all sensed an immensely powerful aura—an aura so formidable that it was certainly no less than that of Zhan Tianfeng or the newly promoted He Yiming. Once they understood the man's strength, Mao Lieguang certainly dared not be remiss.

Mu Jintian gave him a slight nod. "This is my fellow sect brother, Zhuo Wanlian." "The Tiger of the Northern Frontier?" Mao Lieguang exclaimed suddenly, nearly staggered by the man's reputation.

Upon hearing that name, Shui Xuanjin and the others simultaneously recalled a certain figure, and their complexions subtly changed. It was only then they realized that Mu Jintian was actually a disciple of this man.

That explained how he managed to reach the peak of Hundred Dispersion Heaven around the age of one hundred and twenty, possessing the strength to challenge the One Line Heaven realm at any time. Zhuo Wanlian cast a casual glance at Mao Lieguang, clearly not taking the man seriously, nor was he inclined to engage.

"Junior Brother, a few days ago I tracked a spiritual beast and pursued it deep into the mountains. I have only just rushed here today, but from a hundred li away, I sensed an intense surge of cold energy, as if all the frost in heaven and earth had gathered in this single location.

This is clearly the sign of an advance to One Line Heaven using ice-based power." His expression turned grave. "Even rushing as fast as I could, Senior Brother, I was still one step too late.

If it wasn't you advancing to One Line Heaven, is there another peak Hundred Dispersion Heaven master cultivating a frost-based technique here?" Mu Jintian wore a bitter expression. He held nothing back, recounting the entire process of his exchange with He Yiming.

He concluded, "Senior Brother, that He Yiming is only seventeen years old, and he broke through to Hundred Dispersion Heaven at fifteen." Zhuo Wanlian’s eyes had widened at some point, and his lips moved several times. "A Martial Artist at fifteen?

A One Line Heaven master at seventeen?" Mu Jintian nodded heavily, his own eyes reflecting an intensely complicated feeling. Zhuo Wanlian drew a deep breath, and his gaze suddenly shot out beams of sharp light, focusing intently in one direction.

That direction was precisely where He Yiming and Zhan Tianfeng had departed. "To break through to One Line Heaven within two years...

Heh heh... A figure this interesting, how could I not go and see for myself?" Zhuo Wanlian murmured quietly.

He possessed a naturally loud voice, never lowering his volume even when questioning Mu Jintian, yet this was the first time he had softened his tone. Mu Jintian’s face changed slightly.

"Senior Brother, I have already promised that we will not pursue the matter of Bu Xingcong further. Please do not intervene." Zhuo Wanlian snorted coldly.

"Your so-called prince, since he dared to provoke a One Line Heaven master, he was courting death. I have no leisure time to champion his cause.

However, since He Yiming injured you, I naturally cannot stand idly by. Otherwise, how can I face Master?" With that, his figure shifted, and he shot forward.

Mu Jintian’s expression shifted wildly, and he quickly called out, "Senior Brother, be careful!" A loud laugh drifted back from a distance: "Do not worry, Junior Brother. How could a newly promoted One Line Heaven master be my opponent?" Mu Jintian opened his mouth.

Although He Yiming had just achieved the One Line Heaven rank, his cultivation methods were extraordinarily bizarre; not only was he proficient in the techniques of the Five Elements, but frost energy also seemed incapable of causing him the slightest harm. Thus, he felt uneasy, a lingering thread of anxiety weaving through his heart.

※※※※ He Yiming traveled with Zhan Tianfeng and reached the temple where the elder resided within moments. The courtyard where Zhan Tianfeng lived was not large, and the furnishings and decorations were exceedingly plain, appearing rather aged.

He Yiming could even spot several fine cracks in certain places. He looked at Zhan Tianfeng with astonishment.

If he hadn't sensed a power emanating from the elder that was even stronger than his own, he would have found it hard to believe that a master of the One Line Heaven realm would reside in such a place. Let alone this being one of the three great powers of the Northwest, even within the Hengshan lineage, where architectural resources were severely lacking, the residences of the elders were far superior to this dwelling.

Zhan Tianfeng ignored his gaze and merely chuckled, "I have stayed in this courtyard for decades, and this is the first time I have stepped outside today. But since I have an esteemed guest, I must certainly treat you well." He led the way into the back courtyard, and He Yiming’s surprise deepened.

In the backyard, there was a patch of vibrant green vegetable garden. This garden was unlike the medicinal plots atop Hengshan; no rare herbs were planted here.

What grew here were common, everyday vegetables. Zhan Tianfeng stepped down into the soil and, under He Yiming’s astonished gaze, began picking vegetables of various types.

A very strange feeling arose in He Yiming’s heart, and he couldn't help but ask, "Brother Zhan, did you grow all these vegetables here?" "Indeed. Every vegetable here was personally selected, sown, watered, and tended by me," Zhan Tianfeng replied with undisguised pride.

"I guarantee you have never tasted vegetables this delicious." He Yiming hesitated, wanting to speak but refraining. While he didn't particularly approve of this lifestyle, he recognized that even Innate experts of the Hundred Dispersion Heaven level harbored their own inexplicable eccentricities.

Therefore, it was understandable if a One Line Heaven expert possessed a slightly unusual hobby. Zhan Tianfeng washed the vegetables and proceeded directly to the kitchen.

If there was any place in the dwelling that differed from an ordinary home, it was undoubtedly this kitchen. Here, a simple servant, one who possessed no internal strength, was always on standby.

Their sole duty was to ensure the kitchen fire never died, ready for Zhan Tianfeng's immediate use. Zhan Tianfeng acted swiftly and adeptly, washing, chopping, and cooking the vegetables he had just picked.

His movements were as fluid as flowing water. He Yiming could tell with a single glance that Zhan Tianfeng was not merely putting on a show; he must have prepared meals countless times to achieve such natural ease.

Bringing the cooked dishes to the outer hall, the two men took their seats. Zhan Tianfeng produced a jar roughly the size of a human head.

He gently lifted the lid, and a burst of exquisite fragrance wafted forth. "Drink, eat..." After uttering these two words, Zhan Tianfeng paid no further attention to He Yiming, focusing instead on enjoying the meal and pouring drinks for himself.

He Yiming hesitated for a moment before taking a sip of the wine from the jar. It was sweet upon entry, smooth down the throat.

After tasting a bite of the food, it also possessed a distinct flavor. However, he couldn't determine if this strange sensation stemmed from the intrinsic quality of the ingredients or the fact that the person preparing them was Zhan Tianfeng.

"Brother Zhan certainly has refined tastes," He Yiming commented with a smile. While he didn't wholly endorse this kind of life, he had no intention of interfering.

Zhan Tianfeng laughed heartily twice. "Brother He, I cultivate the Way of Water and Wood.

After I stepped into the One Line Heaven realm sixty years ago, I made no progress for several decades. Yet, thirty years ago, I chanced upon this location, experienced a moment of profound realization, and have since lived here in seclusion, uninvolved in external affairs.

Living here for thirty years, handling everything personally, never relying on others, I have finally gained some small insights." Only then did He Yiming feel a stir of emotion. After a moment of reflection, he stood up and bowed deeply to Zhan Tianfeng.

"Thank you for your guidance." The Way of the Five Elements was inherently the Way of Nature. Zhan Tianfeng, having failed in rigid cultivation, relaxed his mindset, opened up a small world here, and immersed himself completely in the natural way.

If he hadn't achieved something under such circumstances, it would defy heavenly principles. However, this style of cultivation was hardly suitable for a young man like He Yiming.

Zhan Tianfeng waved his hand slightly. "This is a minor path.

Though it holds some use, compared to Brother He, it is as distant as heaven and earth." He Yiming's face flushed slightly. He knew his own capabilities well.

Whenever people praised his innate talent, he found himself unsure how to respond. Zhan Tianfeng drank another cup of his home-brewed rice wine.

"Brother He, do you know Mu Jintian's origins?" He Yiming was momentarily stunned. "Mu Jintian is the Guardian Master of the Tu Fan Kingdom, acclaimed as the number one figure beneath the One Line Heaven realm." Zhan Tianfeng let out a soft laugh.

"Mu Jintian is indeed the Guardian Master of Tu Fan, but his sect is not of our Northwest lineage." Hearing him mention the matter so seriously, He Yiming vaguely understood that Mu Jintian’s background must be something this elder held in considerable awe. Zhan Tianfeng gazed northward.

"When I was young, I traveled the world. After entering the Northern Frontier, I once engaged in combat with a lineage of experts there.

Because those experts had long resided in the frigid environment of the Northern Frontier, they did not cultivate the fundamental Way of the Five Elements, but rather a specialized form of ice and cold energy." He Yiming immediately recalled the scene when fighting Mu Jintian, though in terms of ice and cold power, Mu Jintian was clearly a step behind, far less potent than the essence contained within that green bottle. If Mu Jintian knew that He Yiming was comparing his cultivation technique to naturally formed Ten Thousand Year Ice Marrow, he would surely cough up blood in his rage.

Moreover, if the news of this treasure in his possession leaked, guaranteed experts from the Northern Frontier would risk everything to seize it. "Brother Zhan, are you mentioning this because Mu Jintian's sect is immensely powerful?" He Yiming asked gravely.

"Precisely. His sect is indeed powerful; in fact, it is the foremost sect in the Northern Frontier," Zhan Tianfeng stated with gravity.

"You defeated him today and advanced to One Line Heaven. Even if he does not hold it against you, the masters within his sect might not possess such tolerance.

If they come seeking revenge, it will become a considerable nuisance." A myriad of thoughts flashed through He Yiming's mind instantly. His concern wasn't for himself, but for his family.

If an unstoppable powerhouse arrived and commenced a massacre at He Family Village, he would regret it to the end of his days. Seeming to perceive his thoughts, Zhan Tianfeng comforted him, "Brother He, there is actually no need for you to worry.

Although the foremost sect of the Northern Frontier is powerful, it may not necessarily triumph over our Northwest nations, and they certainly won't mobilize large forces for this alone. As long as you do not casually venture into the Northern Lands in the future, you can rest easy." He Yiming was slightly relieved, but suddenly, the expressions of both men shifted subtly.

Because they simultaneously sensed, far in the distance, a surge of ice energy piercing the heavens. It was the same source energy that Mu Jintian wielded, only this manifestation was vastly more powerful.

He Yiming looked at Zhan Tianfeng with a hint of suspicion. The elder's face, however, turned exceptionally grim.

He had just spoken of being able to rest easy, yet before the words had fully settled, someone had arrived at their doorstep. Even if his composure were twice as thick, his old face was now faintly flushed, unable to easily justify his earlier statement.

Ps: When everyone reads this chapter, White Crane is likely undergoing a Sanjiang interview. Friends who are interested are welcome to come and show support for White Crane ^_^