The air thickened with an almost palpable strangeness the moment Zhan Tianfeng, clad in his flowing, wide-sleeved robes, arrived on the scene. His gaze swept over the gathered crowd before locking instantly onto Yuan Lixun.

Just like Yu Jinglei and Zhuo Wanlian before him, anyone who had previously known Yuan Lixun felt an impossible shock course through them upon sensing the profoundly powerful cold-attribute Zhenqi emanating from her. He Yiming’s ascent—reaching the Baisantian realm at fifteen and breaking through to the Yixiantian at seventeen—was already universally acknowledged as the fastest progression in history.

Not even the ancient sages recorded in dusty tomes, nor the rumored powerhouses who had already stepped into the Divine Path, had achieved such staggering feats. Yet, before Zhan Tianfeng now stood a figure seemingly even more incredible than He Yiming.

Barely five months ago, Yuan Lixun had been a frail woman utterly incapable of resisting the lash of Prince Bu Xicong’s whip from the Tufan Kingdom. But five months later… Feeling the overwhelming chill, a cold force even more terrifying than that of Mu Jintian, Zhan Tianfeng took a deep breath and inquired, “Brother He, might I ask who this young lady is?” He Yiming let out a wry laugh.

“Brother Zhan, you jest. Have you not recognized Lixun after only a few months?” Yuan Lixun stepped forward, executed a deep curtsy, and said, “Lixun sincerely thanks the senior for the grace of his medicine.” During her convalescence, Zhan Tianfeng, in his capacity as a Yixiantian expert, had personally visited her lodging and gifted precious healing tonics.

Although everyone knew Zhan Tianfeng acted out of deference to He Yiming, Yuan Lixun remained profoundly grateful. Zhan Tianfeng’s throat bobbed.

Though his heart recoiled from the truth, his logic firmly asserted that this radiating powerhouse of a girl was indeed the person etched in his memory. However, gazing at Yuan Lixun now, the memory of the girl who always hid behind He Yiming began to blur.

He managed a wry internal smile, realizing he would have to re-evaluate He Yiming and his companions entirely. His gaze shifted back to He Yiming, and he offered a slight chuckle.

“Brother He, on your recent travels visiting famous peaks, did you gather anything of note?” His smile was affable, yet deep disquiet churned beneath. Sima Yin had vanished without a trace after giving his promise.

Up until this very day, Zhan Tianfeng had never once worried that the man might have failed his task. Others might not know the true identity of Sima Yin, but Zhan Tianfeng knew him intimately.

He was a top-tier assassin, a formidable killer whose influence could not be ignored even in the distant, powerful, and mysterious Great Shen Empire. He had slain at least ten Xiantian experts.

Fifty years prior, for reasons unknown, Sima Yin had been hunted by a powerful faction within the Great Shen Empire. Even with his skill, he was forced to flee Shen, seeking refuge in the distant Northwestern Kingdoms.

He arrived severely wounded, coincidentally meeting the passing Zhan Tianfeng, who extended aid. It was because of this connection that Sima Yin had remained hidden within the Kaifeng Kingdom for a full fifty years, during which time he managed to break through and become a Yixiantian expert.

An assassin at the Yixiantian level was a pure killing machine, one who had utterly discarded personal reputation. Zhan Tianfeng had always assumed Sima Yin would dispatch He Yiming, settle his debt of gratitude, and then disappear forever.

But he never imagined that what faced him now was not Sima Yin, but He Yiming, who should have been dead in the mountains, and whose female companion had inexplicably become a Xiantian master. These cascading changes left even the calculating Zhan Tianfeng with a sense of profound temporal dislocation.

A nameless chill touched his heart. If He Yiming and Yuan Lixun returned safely, then what fate befell Sima Yin… He Yiming returned the greeting with clasped hands and a smile.

“Brother Zhan, my journey across the mountains yielded great rewards indeed. Most notably, I befriended a solitary cultivator deep within the forests.” He pointed behind him toward the figure wearing a large straw hat, Bai Lingba.

“This is my close confidant, Bai Lingba.” Zhan Tianfeng was inwardly startled. Anyone He Yiming held in such high regard was likely a master of the same caliber.

He instinctively offered courtesy: “Mr. Bai, I have long admired your name.” While speaking courteously, his mind furiously searched its archives, yet he could not recall a single mention of this peculiar name.

Yu Jinglei and Zhuo Wanlian exchanged wry smiles. If Zhan Tianfeng had witnessed Bai Lingba’s display of power just moments ago, he certainly wouldn’t maintain such composure.

Yu Jinglei bowed deeply toward Bai Lingba. “Senior, my sect’s Yiming has received immense care and guidance from you.

This junior offers his gratitude here.” Zhan Tianfeng’s pupils contracted sharply. He stared at Yu Jinglei in shock—this Yixiantian expert addressed this man as ‘Senior’?

“Brother Yu, you know this… Mr. Bai, Senior?” Zhan Tianfeng managed to ask.

Yu Jinglei shook his head solemnly. “This Yu meets Senior Bai for the first time.” Zhuo Wanlian understood Zhan Tianfeng’s confusion.

He sighed wryly. “Brother Zhan, Senior Bai’s cultivation has reached the Three Flowers realm; he is far beyond our ability to contend with.” Zhan Tianfeng sucked in a sharp breath.

Only then did true shock grip him, and his gaze toward Bai Lingba shifted dramatically. “It is an immense honor for the Kaifeng Kingdom that Senior Bai graces us with his presence.” He bowed deeply.

“I beg the Senior to overlook any rudeness.” Bai Lingba remained silent and still, seemingly unaffected by the conversation, as if he hadn't heard a word. Even so, Yu Jinglei and the others showed no signs of offense.

They understood that the motivations of a master in the Three Flowers realm were beyond their capacity to fathom. All eyes turned toward He Yiming, silently marveling at the sheer luck of this young man to have forged a friendship with such a formidable expert, evoking both envy and disbelief.

Their gaze then drifted, almost involuntarily, toward Yuan Lixun, who had already retracted her cold Zhenqi. Her astonishingly rapid progress was undoubtedly linked to Bai Lingba.

He Yiming, however, felt a flicker of doubt. He, alone among them, knew that while Bai Lingba’s age certainly qualified him as a ‘Senior,’ he was by no means a master of the Three Flowers realm.

Sensing the awkward tension, He Yiming laughed heartily. “Gentlemen, Brother Bai is rather unconventional.

He lives alone in the mountains and dislikes interacting with outsiders, so he is unacquainted with worldly etiquette. Please forgive him.” Zhan Tianfeng offered a strained smile.

“Brother He, you are too kind. Senior Bai’s willingness to visit the Kaifeng Kingdom is itself an unexpected joy.” He Yiming knew perfectly well this statement was insincere, but he chose not to expose it, merely smiling faintly before turning to Zhuo Wanlian.

“Brother Zhuo, I previously promised Master Mu Jintian I would assist his grandson in breaking through to the Xiantian realm. I had intended to stay here for a year, but now we must return home.

Please inform Master Mu Jintian to send his grandson to the He Family Estate in Taicang County.” Zhuo Wanlian quickly clasped his hands. “Brother He, Junior Mu’s grandson has already arrived here.

We await only a time when Brother He is free to assist. Of course, if Brother He finds it inconvenient now, we would be delighted to accompany you to the He Family Estate.” As he said this, his eye flickered toward Bai Lingba.

If this powerful figure were absent, he would hardly be so accommodating. He Yiming was quite surprised.

“Brother Zhuo, Master Mu’s grandson arrived so quickly?” Zhuo Wanlian managed a wry smile. “In truth, we arrived here three months ago and have been awaiting Brother He’s return ever since.” He Yiming paused, his gaze becoming distinctly strange.

They had entered the deep mountains less than five months ago. For Zhuo Wanlian to return within a mere three months meant he had traveled from the Kaifeng Kingdom to the Tufan Kingdom and back in just one month.

Such arduous travel undertaken solely for Mu Jintian’s grandson seemed overly peculiar. He looked up and caught Yu Jinglei signaling him subtly.

He immediately understood the implication. “Everyone, we have traveled a long way and are quite weary.

If possible, we would like to rest for a day and discuss matters tomorrow?” This was Kaifeng territory, yet no one objected to the proposal He Yiming, the visitor, had made, effectively seizing control of the schedule. Even the anxious Zhuo Wanlian and the worried Zhan Tianfeng agreed with smiles, glancing frequently at Bai Lingba, their apprehension clearly visible.

※※※※ That night, He Yiming visited Yu Jinglei’s room alone; the elder was already waiting. Upon meeting, He Yiming spoke first.

“Martial Uncle Yu, how are my ancestors and paternal uncle doing in Hengshan?” Yu Jinglei smiled warmly. “Rest assured, they are well in Hengshan.

I have instructed that one of the three Elders will shadow your uncle at all times, supervising and guiding his cultivation to ensure he reaches Xiantian within two years. Furthermore, their treatment in Hengshan is comparable to that of the Elder ranks, so you need not worry.” He Yiming nodded, satisfied.

“Thank you, Martial Uncle, for your great care.” Yu Jinglei waved his hand. “We are family; no need for such formality.” He Yiming smiled slightly but remained silent.

He keenly sensed that the dynamic of this meeting had drastically shifted, particularly after Bai Lingba effortlessly repelled both of them—two Yixiantian masters—in an instant. Previously, Yu Jinglei regarded He Yiming with the affection of an elder for an outstanding junior.

Now, they conversed on a position of absolute parity. After a moment of consideration, Yu Jinglei said, “Elder He, since you have now advanced to Yixiantian, according to sect rules, you are no longer merely an Elder.” He Yiming looked surprised.

“Not an Elder?” “Correct. A Yixiantian expert is incomparably vital to a sect.

From this day forward, you are the Supreme Elder of our Hengshan lineage.” Yu Jinglei’s expression was exceedingly solemn as he spoke, a faint flush appearing on his face from the sheer excitement. He Yiming pondered for a moment.

“Since it is Martial Uncle’s decree, your junior nephew will naturally obey.” Yu Jinglei immediately shook his head, chuckling. “Martial Brother He, you must change your form of address from now on.” He Yiming’s mouth opened slightly, and he instantly understood.

He gave a wry smile. “This junior greets Martial Brother Yu.” In such reclusive sects, personal status was intricately tied to actual strength.

Once He Yiming reached Baisantian, he immediately became one of the four Elders. As his strength continued to rise to the same level as Yu Jinglei—Yixiantian—his status elevated accordingly.

The more powerful a sect, the more pragmatic it became; this was the key to survival. If a sect could not grant outstanding disciples suitable titles and rewards, those disciples would surely depart rather than remain.

Yu Jinglei smiled contentedly. Only after He Yiming agreed did the lingering anxiety in his heart truly dissipate.

“Martial Brother, in the future, please guide Martial Nephew Yao and the others as much as possible. If we can increase the number of Yixiantian experts in the Hengshan lineage, so much the better.” He Yiming grimaced.

“Martial Brother, you jest. Although I have reached Yixiantian, advising others truly exceeds my current capabilities, as my own path of advancement is entirely irreplicable.” Yu Jinglei chuckled.

“Brother, you are too modest. Your concubine has been with you for how long, yet she broke through to Xiantian?

You must have played a role.” He Yiming shook his head slightly. “Luck, pure luck…” Yu Jinglei grew serious.

“Luck is itself a component of strength, and perhaps the most crucial one. Without luck, let alone reaching Yixiantian, even ascending to Xiantian becomes incredibly difficult.” He Yiming nodded in deep agreement.

If they hadn’t encountered Bai Lingba this time, it’s hard to say how long it would have taken Yuan Lixun to reach Xiantian. Yu Jinglei suddenly glanced sharply in a particular direction and lowered his voice.

“Martial Brother, which sect does Senior Bai, whom you met this time, belong to?” He Yiming watched Yu Jinglei’s intensely serious expression, the corner of his mouth twitching as he fought back the urge to burst out laughing. “Martial Brother, Brother Bai has no sect or faction; he is a pure, solitary cultivator.” A strange expression crossed Yu Jinglei’s face, as if speaking to himself.

“To cultivate to the realm of Three Flowers Convergence alone… that is truly unbelievable.” He paused, then forcefully added, “Incredible.” He Yiming was intrigued. “Martial Brother, what is the Three Flowers Convergence?” Yu Jinglei pondered for a long moment.

“Originally, I intended to keep this matter secret until twenty years from now. But since you have successfully advanced to Yixiantian in just over a year, I should hide nothing further.” He spoke solemnly: “Among Xiantian experts, Baisantian has merely brushed against the threshold.

Only upon ascending to Yixiantian does one truly begin to communicate with the energies of Heaven and Earth.” He Yiming quietly acknowledged this. Although the difference between Yixiantian and Baisantian was only one level, their connection to the energies of Heaven and Earth represented a completely different state, the gulf between them comprehensible only through personal experience.

“Once a Xiantian expert advances to Yixiantian, they begin to genuinely interact with the energies of Heaven and Earth, absorbing vast amounts of pristine energy to form their own internal circulation. When this process accumulates to a certain point, there is a chance for a further breakthrough, condensing one’s own Three Flowers Zhenqi.” Yu Jinglei took a deep breath here, then opened his mouth and gently exhaled.

He Yiming’s face became fascinatingly complex. Yu Jinglei’s breath seemed to possess form; it did not dissipate immediately but began to coalesce in the air.

The breath rose halfway to the ceiling, and under his control, it split into two, forming two brilliant, beautiful flowers in the void. Seeing this spectacle for the first time, He Yiming’s eyes widened.

After a pause, he tentatively extended a hand and lightly touched one of the flowers. His expression changed again.

The tactile sensation informed him this was no illusion; it was a solid, tangible flower, imbued with a powerful might that sent a shiver down his spine. Yu Jinglei let out a long, sustained exhale, and the flowers in the void vanished instantly.

His face was faintly pale; clearly, creating those two near-solid blossoms had consumed an unimaginably vast amount of his Zhenqi. “Martial Brother, is that the Three Flowers Convergence?” “Indeed, though my strength is insufficient; I can only manifest two flowers,” Yu Jinglei sighed.

“In truth, once one reaches Yixiantian, using that level as a base, almost everyone can condense two flowers after long and arduous practice. But two flowers are like rootless duckweed, fleeting.

Only by breaking through again and condensing the third true energy flower can one achieve a stable tripod—firm as Mount Tai.” Bright light sparked in He Yiming’s eyes, and his breathing grew slightly ragged. After reaching Yixiantian, he felt his martial path had lost its ultimate goal.

Now, he knew he had a new journey to undertake on the Martial Dao. Yu Jinglei’s expression suddenly darkened.

“Martial Brother, I heard you promised Mu Jintian’s grandson that you would protect his meridians while he breaks through to the Xiantian realm?” “Yes.” He Yiming looked up, confused as to why this was being questioned. “Alas, Martial Brother, you shouldn't have agreed to that,” Yu Jinglei said with a wry smile.

“Why?” He Yiming asked in surprise. Seeing Yu Jinglei hesitate and struggle for words, He Yiming’s heart stirred.

“Martial Brother, is this related to the Three Flowers Convergence?”