He Yiming held the two boxes in his hands. He strongly desired to inquire about the contents, but after much contemplation, he simply could not bring himself to ask, feeling too embarrassed.
A thought stirred within him. While he might not recognize the items, Shui Xuanjin certainly would. A sudden idea struck him, and he tentatively posed the question: “Brother Mu, I heard your esteemed sect is not located in the Northwest?”
Mu Jin, though surprised by this seemingly unrelated turn in the conversation, patiently replied, “That is correct. My sect lies far away, in the Northern Frontier.”
He Yiming nodded slightly. “I have heard that in the extreme north, there is a peculiar fruit that grows only within the deepest ice, possessing remarkable effects for preserving beauty. Is such a thing true?”
“Indeed, such a thing exists,” Mu Jin confirmed. “This item is called the Ice Fruit. While rare here, it is nothing extraordinary in the Northern Frontier. However, this fruit can only be preserved upon the Northern Frontier Ice Plains. If it leaves the plains, unless contained within a Profound Ice vessel or a rarer spatial world, it will melt away.”
He Yiming’s heart leaped. He knew a little about Profound Ice vessels; such containers would not melt even near a volcano. Yet, Profound Ice itself was notoriously difficult to acquire, and crafting it into a vessel seemed even rarer.
However, the so-called spatial world was something he had never heard of. His eyes sharpened as he asked, “Brother Mu, what exactly is this spatial world you speak of?”
Mu Jin looked at him with surprise. “Brother He is an elder of the Hengshan lineage—surely you are not unfamiliar with such a thing?”
He Yiming flushed with shame. Although he was an elder of Hengshan, he had spent less than a year on the mountain, and the matter had never been mentioned to him, leaving him completely ignorant.
Shaking his head awkwardly, He Yiming stated gravely, “This He is indeed ignorant of it.”
Mu Jin, though harboring lingering doubts, continued, “In truth, a spatial world is a miraculous artifact, said to exist in various forms, each containing a small, independently existing world within it.”
A sharp glint flashed in He Yiming’s eyes. That such a treasure could exist in this world was almost unbelievable.
“Brother Mu, have you ever seen such an item?”
Mu Jin hesitated slightly. “I have. My Master possesses such a treasure.”
He Yiming marveled but felt no inclination to seize it. Since the man was willing to share this information openly, it clearly was not a world-shattering secret. Furthermore, Mu Jin Tian’s master—who was also Zhuo Wanlian’s master—was a figure far beyond the means of the current He Yiming to provoke.
Sighing, He Yiming said, “Brother Mu, if I ever travel to the Northern Frontier in the future, may I ask you for a single Ice Fruit?”
Mu Jin nodded without hesitation. “Of course. As long as Brother He agrees to assist my grandson, regardless of success or failure, once Brother He visits the Northern Frontier Ice Plains, I, Mu Mou, will certainly prepare ten of the highest-grade Ice Fruits and present them with both hands.”
He Yiming was overjoyed. “Brother Mu is so generous; what more can this younger brother say?” He paused. “This younger brother has long heard that the Kai Rong Kingdom is vast and rich in resources, so I intend to travel around this vicinity for about a year, barring any unforeseen circumstances. If your grandson can reach the capital of Kai Rong within a year, I will certainly lend him a hand.”
A trace of joy flickered in Mu Jin’s eyes. He let out a hearty laugh. “Excellent! Let it be settled then.”
For ordinary people, traveling from the Kai Rong Kingdom to the Tu Fan state and back within a year would be somewhat difficult, but for masters of their caliber, it was no issue at all. The only uncertainty was how long He Yiming’s travels would take him away. However, Mu Jin had already resolved to urge his grandson to arrive as soon as possible and wait there indefinitely. After all, searching the entire Northwest, He Yiming was the only innate expert he had encountered capable of helping his grandson; missing this chance might mean never finding another.
He Yiming pushed the boxes forward. “Brother Mu, once your grandson arrives here, after I protect and empower his meridians, we can proceed with the exchange.”
Mu Jin paused slightly, not taking the boxes. Instead, he smiled. “Brother He jokes. Since you have already agreed, these two items are naturally yours.”
He Yiming tilted his head. “You trust me that much?”
Mu Jin let out an understanding chuckle. “If a First Line Heaven expert breaks his promise, then consider me Mu Jin blind. These two treasures will serve as the price for that lesson.”
He Yiming studied him seriously for a few moments before finally putting the items away. However, he was perfectly aware that the man’s generosity was rooted in deep confidence. If he were to flee, Mu Jin might not dare provoke the Hengshan lineage, but the He Family Estate would certainly face his fierce retribution.
After finalizing their agreement, the two returned to the room.
To He Yiming’s surprise, the numerous innate masters gathered in the room were in small clusters, and many had already left this space, apparently discussing matters elsewhere. Though they kept their voices low, they weren't hiding their activities. With a slight twitch of his ears, He Yiming realized they were still trading their collections, with some already entering bidding wars.
He Yiming and Mu Jin’s return went largely unnoticed. Except for Shui Xuanjin, everyone else was absorbed in their own pursuits. Even Zhan Tianfeng and Zhuo Wanlian had departed, likely conferring in some private spot.
Approaching Shui Xuanjin, the two exchanged a look before stepping outside. Shui Xuanjin had abstained from the trading because he knew his time was short, leaving him with little interest in worldly possessions.
Finding a secluded spot, He Yiming explained Mu Jin Tian’s request and presented the two boxes.
Shui Xuanjin opened them, and his expression immediately shifted. “Mu Jin Tian is truly generous. To give you such benefits is quite incredible.”
Although He Yiming already knew the two treasures were immensely precious, Shui Xuanjin’s reaction hinted that their value far exceeded his imagination.
“Old Brother Shui, what exactly are these things, and what are their uses?” He Yiming asked humbly.
Shui Xuanjin was briefly taken aback. “You truly don’t know?”
He Yiming nodded blankly. He saw no need to feign knowledge in front of Shui Xuanjin.
Seeing He Yiming’s perfectly natural look, Shui Xuanjin let out a wry laugh. “You have excellent luck. To agree to something without knowing what it is! But luckily for you, it is a good thing you agreed, otherwise you would regret it endlessly.”
Saying this, he picked up one of the boxes, which contained the small, white, intensely cold icicle.
“This is a specialty from the Northern Frontier Ice Plains: Thousand-Year Ice Essence. It is said to be extracted from a special medicinal liquid and infused into a specially prepared natural icicle,” Shui Xuanjin explained in detail. “This sealed icicle is placed in an extremely cold environment, and after a thousand years, this Ice Essence is obtained.”
He Yiming repeated the term under his breath and asked calmly, “What is the function of the Thousand-Year Ice Essence?”
“Its function is immense. When a person suffers extremely severe internal injuries or potent poison—unless their head is smashed open or they die instantly—consuming the Thousand-Year Ice Essence will place the body in a state of being ice-sealed. As long as a cure can be found within one year, the person can be saved.”
He Yiming was utterly astounded, never imagining such a miraculous item existed in this world.
“This thing must be extremely valuable. Why would Mu Jin Tian part with such a treasure?” He Yiming asked hesitantly.
Shui Xuanjin chuckled darkly. “To us, the Thousand-Year Ice Essence is undoubtedly priceless. But among the hidden sects of the Northern Frontier Ice Plains, they have quite a stock of it.”
He Yiming was greatly intrigued. “Why is that?”
“The hidden sects of the North have histories stretching back millennia; many sects are a thousand or even several thousand years old. They possess similar Ice Essences within their reserves.” He paused. “Of course, obtaining the reserves of those sects isn’t easy, but given Mu Jin Tian’s status, he likely doesn't possess only a single vial.”
He Yiming immediately understood and turned his gaze to the other box. Since the four-colored jade stone was presented alongside the Thousand-Year Ice Essence, it must possess comparable value.
As He Yiming anticipated, Shui Xuanjin picked up the other box. “This box contains the Four-Colored Fusion Jade. This is a specialty of the Tu Fan state in the Northwest. The value of a four-colored jade stone far surpasses that of a three-colored one by tenfold. If you were to trade this in the Northern Frontier, you could absolutely exchange it for two doses of Thousand-Year Ice Essence.”
He Yiming nodded slightly but remained unmoved. Local specialties have different values; even if two items hold similar worth, their value depreciates significantly when taken to the place where the other item originates.
“What is this item used for?”
“This is a crucial component for refining weapons or defensive gear,” Shui Xuanjin stated seriously. “Whether it’s a weapon or armor, if one wishes to forge an artifact-grade item, sufficient quality raw materials are required. However, the natures of some materials conflict; if you try to melt them in one furnace, failure is the only outcome.”
Saying this, Shui Xuanjin took out the four-colored jade stone from the box, his face etched with envy. “But if this special Fusion Jade is added, it acts as a neutralizer, allowing the characteristics of all precious materials to be fully utilized.”
A light flashed in He Yiming’s eyes. He immediately thought of his great Guan Dao; wouldn't this jade stone be perfect for that blade?
Shui Xuanjin continued, “Fusion Jades are also divided into different grades. A one-colored Fusion Jade has no effect. A two-colored Fusion Jade has some minor use, but since it can only fuse two special materials, no one uses it when crafting treasured gear. A three-colored Fusion Jade is a rarity; if one successfully fuses three different rare materials, the resulting item is almost certainly artifact-grade. As for the four-colored Fusion Jade…” He paused. “This is a treasure among treasures. Even Mu Jin Tian likely possesses very few.”
He Yiming nodded slightly, understanding the old man’s implications perfectly.
After a moment of thought, He Yiming asked, “Old Brother Shui, Mu Jin Tian is paying such a huge price for his grandson to successfully advance to the innate realm—what do you think he is truly thinking?”
Shui Xuanjin shook his head with a wry smile. “I am utterly perplexed as well. Logically, even though his grandson cultivates three paths simultaneously, if the goal is merely innate advancement, having just one innate expert whose two paths align with his come to reinforce his meridians should suffice. Why must he specifically designate that all three systems advance together?” He lightly rubbed his temples, which were covered in wrinkles. “There must be a reason, but my knowledge is too shallow to figure it out.”
He Yiming also gave a wry smile. If even the two-hundred-year-old Shui Xuanjin did not know, it was even harder for him to guess. However, without significant benefit, Mu Jin Tian would never pay such a heavy price for his help. He even suspected that the easy resolution of his killing of Bu Xingcong and the Tu Fan state’s other innate master was closely related to this matter. Otherwise, even though he was a newly ascended First Line Heaven expert, the Tu Fan state might not have let the matter go so easily.
The two men regarded each other in silence for a while. Finally, He Yiming said, “Brother Shui, I will write a letter, and you can help me deliver it to the He Family Estate.”
Shui Xuanjin looked surprised. “Is there anyone at the He Family Estate who knows about this matter?”
He Yiming chuckled. “Naturally not at the He Family Estate, but perhaps someone in Hengshan might.”
Shui Xuanjin’s eyes brightened. “That’s right. With the Hengshan lineage as your backing, it is indeed wise to inquire there.” The Hengshan lineage boasted a heritage spanning over three thousand years, and crucially, their lineage had never experienced a break in the flow of innate experts. If even they couldn't answer this question, then truly no one could.
An hour later, the trade fair concluded successfully. Many masters made gains during the event; even Zhuo Wanlian and Zhan Tianfeng wore satisfied smiles. Though no one knew what treasures the two First Line Heaven experts had exchanged, they were undoubtedly even higher-grade rare artifacts. Finally, under the guidance of Mao Lieguang, the attendees gradually dispersed.
After He Yiming and his group returned to the embassy district, Shui Xuanjin departed with several guardian masters from the Small Nations Alliance, while He Yiming, Ting Shiguang, and others remained. Given their status, no one would rush them as long as they did not express a desire to leave.
That night, within a tall residence in the Tu Fan state's embassy district.
Mu Jin Tian and Zhuo Wanlian sat opposite each other. Before them sat the finest quality Cloud Mist Tea, imported from the distant Great Shen Empire.
Taking a gentle sip, Mu Jin Tian placed the teacup on the table. His movements, though simple, possessed a sense of seamless integration with the surrounding world.
Zhuo Wanlian sighed deeply. “Junior Brother, Master once said that your comprehension of the energies of heaven and earth is the highest among us. Your future achievements would be limitless. I used to have doubts, but now I am completely convinced.”
Mu Jin Tian smiled faintly. “Senior Brother, you flatter me. If we speak of limitless potential, is there anyone under heaven who can surpass him?”
Although Mu Jin Tian did not mention the name of “him,” Zhuo Wanlian’s expression grew solemn.
“How did he cultivate to achieve such astonishing success? And he just ascended to First Line Heaven; he shouldn't have time to consolidate and refine his power, yet when I fought him, his true energy did not tremble even slightly. Furthermore…” His face was filled with disbelief. “His true energy spread across the entire giant tree. His talent in the Wood element is absolutely the strongest I have ever witnessed. Perhaps his aptitude in this path is no less than Master’s aptitude in the Ice element.”
Mu Jin Tian sighed softly. “Senior Brother, we no longer need to evaluate the extent of his talent. We only need to report this matter truthfully to Master; he should make the appropriate decision.”
Zhuo Wanlian nodded slightly; he naturally understood what this ‘decision’ entailed.
A moment later, Mu Jin Tian suddenly said, “Senior Brother, after we return this time, I must enter solitary cultivation at the sect. As for Hao’er’s matter, I must entrust it to you.”
Zhuo Wanlian pounded his chest. “Junior Brother, rest assured. Hao’er is Heaven-blessed with talent. To enable his three cultivation paths to advance to the innate realm simultaneously, we have already delayed for eight long years. Now that He Yiming has appeared, we must seize this opportunity to ensure Hao’er succeeds.” His tone shifted. “Junior Brother, regarding the grievances between you, He Yiming, and the Tu Fan state, are they truly settled now?”
Mu Jin Tian was silent for a long moment before saying gently, “As long as Hao’er can advance his three cultivation paths simultaneously to the innate realm, then whatever price we pay is worth it.”
Zhuo Wanlian hesitated, then slowly nodded.
A flicker of hope appeared in Mu Jin Tian’s eyes. “If Hao’er truly succeeds, I will bring him to the sect and introduce him to Master’s tutelage.”
Zhuo Wanlian’s spirit soared, and he laughed. “If Master sees Hao’er at the innate realm, he surely won’t be able to resist taking him on as his final personal disciple.” He looked at Mu Jin Tian and chuckled slyly, “At that time, for you two—grandfather and grandson—to both be disciples under Master will certainly be a beautiful story.”
Mu Jin Tian picked up his tea bowl again, a hint of yearning in his eyes.
Zhuo Wanlian suddenly sighed. “That’s not right.”
Mu Jin Tian looked up, surprised. “What?”
Zhuo Wanlian frowned in deep thought. “I just remembered, if Master truly accepts Hao’er as a disciple, how will you address each other when you meet? Will he call you Senior Brother, or will he call you Grandfather?”
Mu Jin Tian shot him an exasperated glare, then shook his head and sighed. “It’s a pity He Yiming is already a disciple of the Hengshan lineage. If he could have become Master’s disciple, our Ice Soul Sect would shine brilliantly; perhaps it could even restore its former glory.”
Zhuo Wanlian’s smile immediately vanished. He seemed to be contemplating something quietly, a strange light flickering in his eyes.
Mu Jin Tian looked up in surprise. In his memory, this was the first time he had seen his Senior Brother look so composed. For a moment, he too fell into thoughtful reflection.