Upon the plain, a crimson steed raced as if borne on the wind. In that flat expanse, the charge of the spirited horse was undeniably the most striking spectacle.

Finally, the horse’s pace slackened. The rider on its back gently soothed the Red Silk Horse, which seemed not yet fully sated.

The riders atop the horse were, naturally, He Yiming and Yuan Lixun.

After dispatching the elite soldiers of Kaifeng Kingdom who had disguised themselves as bandits, He Yiming paid no further heed to Xu Su and his group, departing directly from the scene.

As for Yuan Lixun and One Hundred and Eight, they followed closely behind.

They had lost all interest in pressing forward. Instead, they retraced their steps, and at this moment, they finally spotted the small convoy belonging to the Hengshan lineage in the distance.

Though the convoy comprised only a little over twenty people, their inherent strength far surpassed that of Xu Su’s contingent of more than two hundred. Should those Kaifeng Kingdom cavalrymen who had raided the camp have attempted to rob this convoy, they would have met with an unexpected surprise.

He Yiming did not ride directly to rendezvous with the Hengshan contingent ahead. He reined in his horse midway, his gaze sweeping the distant horizon, appearing lost in thought.

Yuan Lixun asked softly, "Yiming, are you worried about them?"

He Yiming offered a faint, almost bitter smile. "I am not worried about them, but about everyone in Tianluo."

Yuan Lixun’s beautiful eyes widened slightly. She opened her mouth, though suspicion clouded her mind.

In her memory, He Yiming had never seemed like a patriot consumed by the worries of the realm before his own. For him, accepting the role of a Xiantian Master of the Tianluo Kingdom was merely a means to ensure the smooth development of the He Family Village, and that decision was partly influenced by his friendship across generations with Shui Xuanjin.

Deep down, he had never harbored the ambition to take the entire Tianluo Kingdom under his protection.

A moment later, Yuan Lixun whispered, "Yiming, are you planning to formally become the Guardian Master of the Tianluo Kingdom?"

Though her question was abrupt and strange, He Yiming clearly understood her meaning.

Looking at her honestly, He Yiming said with sincerity, "Lixun, you once told me that with great power comes corresponding responsibility. It seems I have found the responsibility I ought to bear."

Yuan Lixun nodded seriously. She would not oppose anything He Yiming had truly decided upon, even if the matter appeared utterly unbelievable.

Suddenly, as if recalling something, she turned. "Mr. One Hundred and Eight."

A black silhouette materialized abruptly from the distance; One Hundred and Eight had already arrived swiftly beside them, his voice as level and expressionless as ever. "What is it?"

"Mr. Bai, your duty is to maintain Yiming's safety. Why did you not assist when Yiming took action?"

One Hundred and Eight regarded her impassively. "As your bodyguard, I only intervene when you fall into danger. Those men..." A nearly imperceptible smile touched his usually placid face. "...could they pose a threat to Mr. He?"

Yuan Lixun was instantly silenced. In truth, she understood the logic perfectly well, but understanding something intellectually was far different from being able to react to it with complete composure.

Especially as a woman, after witnessing such a gruesome scene of blood and gore, pretending she held no reservations would be self-deception. Perhaps, deep down, she harbored a faint notion that if One Hundred and Eight had acted then, He Yiming would not have resorted to such brutal methods to kill the cavalry leader.

Recalling that man's fate sent a shiver down Yuan Lixun's spine, even though she had advanced to the Xiantian Realm.

At that moment, she had felt a strange unfamiliarity toward He Yiming. Yet, now that she was with him again, the words simply would not come out.

He Yiming glanced at One Hundred and Eight. "Lixun, One Hundred and Eight did nothing wrong; you need not blame him."

Yuan Lixun softly acknowledged him.

One Hundred and Eight suddenly spoke, "Mr. He, based on my observations and calculations, the pressure you are under is immense, leading to today's bloodshed. If you would accept my suggestion, I hope you can cast everything aside and calmly recuperate for a period. This would greatly benefit both your body and your path of evolution."

He Yiming’s expression shifted slightly. He asked sternly, "How do you know my pressure is immense?"

One Hundred and Eight’s voice remained utterly calm, as if stating a self-evident truth. "My database compiles records of countless human behaviors. Through synthesis and deduction, I have concluded that anyone unable to alleviate extreme pressure in a timely manner will eventually erupt at some stage. At that point, they are no longer themselves... and you, unquestionably, are one such case."

Yuan Lixun’s eyes brightened. She reached out her delicate hand and gently clasped He Yiming’s. Inexplicably, she now believed every word One Hundred and Eight had uttered.

He Yiming’s face was a tapestry of shifting moods. He immediately recalled the brutal scene of striking down the cavalry leader just moments ago.

No one noticed that when his gaze fell upon the mess of flesh and blood, a feeling of nausea stirred deep within his own heart.

However, his cultivation as a Yixiantian expert effectively masked this, so it seemed no one besides the mysterious One Hundred and Eight detected it.

And One Hundred and Eight discovered this not by noticing any external clue, but through a method of deduction he himself did not fully comprehend.

In truth, even He Yiming didn't understand why, upon hearing the man threaten to dismember him and witnessing the death-defying aura of Xu Su and his group, he had suddenly been filled with such hot-blooded fervor.

Hidden within his heart was a conflicted emotion, and that single punch had fully discharged this negative energy. He clearly remembered the feeling of profound relief and exhilarating catharsis that washed over him the moment the blow landed.

Now, hearing One Hundred and Eight's explanation, He Yiming wholeheartedly conceded the point. Perhaps his pressure truly had been too great. He managed a weak smile. "One Hundred and Eight, are you suggesting I enter seclusion for meditation?"

"Seclusion is merely one method of relieving pressure. If you wish to shed this burden, you must resolve it at the root."

He Yiming’s eyes lit up. "How do I resolve it?"

"Deep within your heart, there must be a secret known to no one else. If you can speak of it, the pressure it causes you should no longer be formidable."

He Yiming’s heart lurched. Though his expression remained unchanged, Yuan Lixun, who was tightly gripping his hand, sensed an extremely subtle shift through their physical contact.

His grip had tightened ever so slightly.

Indeed, He Yiming harbored one ultimate secret: the miraculous encounter at the bottom of the lake in the past.

Had it not been for that incredible experience, He Yiming today would likely still be a young man struggling in vain to break through the Fifth Level of Inner Force, never reaching his current status as a Yixiantian expert of the Hengshan lineage, whose mere footfall could shake Tianluo by a third.

This secret had been buried in the deepest recesses of his heart for several years, since the day of the encounter.

His parents, elders, siblings, and even Yuan Lixun knew nothing of it.

Suddenly, He Yiming recalled One Hundred and Eight’s words: anyone unable to relieve extreme pressure in a timely manner will eventually erupt at some stage. At that point, they are no longer themselves...

His heart trembled slightly. Perhaps One Hundred and Eight was correct. The version of himself that acted so wildly against the cavalrymen—was that truly him?

Abruptly, He Yiming felt an itch near his ear.

He turned his head in surprise. Yuan Lixun had shifted her body, blocking One Hundred and Eight’s line of sight. Her cherry lips parted, and though no sound escaped, her lip movements were perfectly clear.

She was silently mouthing: "Do not tell him about the White Stone."

He Yiming instantly understood. He felt a surge of shame; Yuan Lixun had assumed the great secret he held was about that colossal energy stone.

He gave a wry smile and nodded slightly, signaling his comprehension.

By this time, the disciples of Hengshan in the distance had spotted their location. The convoy visibly quickened its pace, and Yu Jinglei and Lu Zhengyi even dismounted from their carriage, rushing toward them at top speed.

Moments later, the two arrived.

Their gaze first fell upon One Hundred and Eight, a flicker of "just as expected" crossing their eyes. When they discovered One Hundred and Eight was missing, they had guessed he must have followed He Yiming and Yuan Lixun away. Now, seeing them together confirmed it.

Yet, the realization only deepened their awe and apprehension. How had One Hundred and Eight managed to evade their senses and stealthily leave their company?

"Elder He, you don't seem to be in the best spirits." Yu Jinglei, an old fox, observed He Yiming's complexion and asked in a gentle tone.

He Yiming did not conceal anything. He recounted everything about his encounter with Xu Su and his group, even confessing without reservation that he had spoken rashly in a moment of delirium about wanting to cleanse the Hall of Masters.

When Yu Jinglei and Lu Zhengyi heard He Yiming had uttered such bold words, both were momentarily stunned.

The Hall of Masters in the Kaifeng Kingdom boasted a full ten Xiantian experts, the strongest among whom, Zhan Tianfeng, had been promoted to Yixiantian for sixty years. Such formidable power—even if He Yiming stood alone, even the entire strength of the Hengshan lineage might not suffice.

Yu Jinglei hesitated, his gaze sweeping over the expressionless face of One Hundred and Eight.

He suddenly remarked, "Although Elder He’s words were somewhat inappropriate, I suspect if that old man Zhan Tianfeng heard them, he would likely do as you wish and withdraw all Kaifeng Kingdom forces."

Though Yu Jinglei did not know the outcome three days hence, his intuition assured him of this judgment.

"I hope so," He Yiming murmured darkly, his gaze shifting in the same direction. Without One Hundred and Eight beside him, he would never have dared make such a boast.

Although Kaifeng Kingdom had ten Xiantian experts, as long as One Hundred and Eight acted, annihilating them all might be difficult, but eliminating one or two seemed far from impossible. Of course, He Yiming would only choose this path as an absolute last resort.

After all, Kaifeng Kingdom was one of the three great powers among the Northwestern Kingdoms, and its ability to stand firm for hundreds, nearly a thousand years, naturally had its reasons.

※※※※

After He Yiming and the others returned to the convoy, they proceeded slowly, eventually reaching the capital of the Tianluo Kingdom. Their destination was Taicang County before the New Year, but passing through the capital, He Yiming wished to see his aged friend.

However, they had not yet reached the capital when, ten li away, they encountered a dense, oppressive crowd.

Among these people were the Tianluo Kingdom's military, common citizens of the capital, and the nobility and dignitaries of the royal city.

The leading Hengshan disciple immediately grew tense. Though he did not fear any single person in that crowd, facing so many people, even the collective spittle could drown them.

From afar, He Yiming’s ears began to tremble faintly. His expression shifted momentarily before immediately relaxing.

The moment the small Hengshan convoy appeared on the horizon, the crowd erupted in a commotion. Still, under the management of the Tianluo soldiers, no one dared rush forward, though every gaze directed their way was filled with fervent anticipation.

The leading Hengshan disciple was Lin Feiran, the eldest direct disciple of Lu Zhengyi, and one of the peak experts at the Tenth Level of Inner Force from Lingyu Peak. Seeing that the situation was amiss, he turned back and approached the carriage carrying Yu Jinglei and Lu Zhengyi, reporting respectfully, "Supreme Elder, Master, the situation seems unusual."

Lu Zhengyi responded calmly, "What is it?"

"There are several thousand Tianluo people blocking the main road ahead. They..." Lin Feiran paused, then had a sudden realization. "They appear to be welcoming a triumphant general returning from war."

Yu Jinglei’s hearty laughter echoed from inside the carriage. "It doesn't matter. Let us proceed. They are here to welcome Elder He."

Lin Feiran’s jaw dropped in astonishment. As disciples, they lacked the standing to converse with He Yiming, so they were naturally unaware of the events that had transpired with him.

The group had not been traveling rapidly, and several days later, when they reached the capital, news of the Kaifeng Kingdom recalling its hidden forces from Tai'a County had already spread throughout Tianluo.

Previously, the high-ranking officials of Tianluo, especially those holding the reins of power, knew exactly who was behind Tai'a County, yet all who knew chose to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear. But this did not mean they held no reservations. Now, hearing He Yiming’s bold declaration, coupled with the Kaifeng Kingdom’s voluntary cooperation, caused everyone to erupt in excitement.

With the machinery of the Tianluo Kingdom operating at full capacity, He Yiming’s whereabouts, as he had made no effort to conceal his journey, were naturally tracked. Upon learning the precise time of He Yiming’s arrival, the Tianluo leadership practically poured out everything they had.

Everyone understood that the future prosperity of Tianluo would depend on this man's protection. To secure the greatest benefit during this process, they were willing to go to any lengths to curry favor with He Yiming.

As for the common folk, they had learned of He Yiming’s impending arrival in the capital through various channels. They harbored no intent to flatter him; they simply wished to see the legendary figure with their own eyes.

Lin Feiran bowed respectfully and retreated, signaling his fellow disciples. They continued forward on their horses, neither too fast nor too slow.

When the carriages reached the base of a massive hill ten li outside the city gates, two vigorous, elderly men, surrounded by a large throng, walked toward them.

They reached the carriages, and someone shouted loudly: "Tianluo Kingdom Ruler Yu Rupei, Guardian Master Shui Xuanjin, welcoming Master He Yiming back to the capital!"

The thousands of people fell suddenly silent for a moment, then erupted in a roar like crashing mountains and surging tides. This was the sound of thousands of voices screaming hoarsely, releasing years of pent-up frustration from their hearts.

Lin Feiran’s hands trembled slightly. Though he was a peak expert at the Tenth Level of Inner Force, he had never imagined that the collective sound of thousands of voices could generate such a massive wave of sound capable of chilling even an expert like him to the bone.

On the lead carriage, the curtain drew aside, and He Yiming stepped out slowly.

The tidal wave of cheers seemed to have no effect on him. His posture was as straight and rigid as a javelin. Under the gaze of countless eyes, his bearing was as steady as a great mountain, as if nothing in this world could shake him any longer.

Yu Rupei was both startled and delighted. The Tianluo Kingdom was indeed fortunate to have such a figure. Yet, could this figure truly be controlled by the Yu family? He felt an unsettling premonition: in the Tianluo Kingdom's future, this man's authority would likely outweigh that of the Imperial Family.

Shui Xuanjin approached He Yiming. The old man and the young man exchanged a smile, and then Shui Xuanjin gave him a deep bow.

He Yiming was greatly alarmed and quickly stepped aside. "Brother Shui, what is the meaning of this?"

Shui Xuanjin’s expression was solemn. "Brother He, you have done what I, Shui, contemplated my entire life but never dared to do. Thank you."

He Yiming offered a wry smile. "Brother Shui, have you forgotten? I am also a Guardian Master of the Tianluo Kingdom."

Shui Xuanjin laughed heartily. "Indeed, Brother He is also this nation's Guardian Master." He said with deep emotion, "Entrusting this country to your hands, this old man is at ease."

He Yiming smiled faintly but remained silent. Yet, in his heart stirred a vague sense of ill omen. Old Man Shui Xuanjin appeared ruddy-cheeked, seemingly having gained vitality from this joyous occasion, but looking at the elder, He Yiming was inexplicably overcome by a difficult-to-express sorrow...

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