Far in the distance, layers of mountain mist occasionally materialized and dissolved within the clouds. These constantly drifting clouds brought an uncanny spectacle to the vast mountain range, as if infusing it with vibrant energy.

He Yiming and Lu Zhengyi, along with others, had returned to Hengshan for several days now. Although Yu Jinglei had departed for the Realm of Life and Death and did not accompany them, Xu Chenchang had followed them to the Hengshan lineage.

The day Yu Jinglei left, he had introduced Xu Chenchang’s background. He was an outstanding rising star from the main branch of Tianchi Mountain, already achieving the Xiantian realm at just over forty years old by mastering the Yin-Yang Dual Element cultivation technique.

While he hadn't broken through to Xiantian solely through his own power like He Yiming, having elders of his sect protect and fortify his meridians certainly aided him, yet it remained a remarkable accomplishment nonetheless.

His departure from the mountain this time was ostensibly to inform Yu Jinglei about the Deep Mountain Totem Clan, but it also held the intention of traveling the world. Thus, after seeing Yu Jinglei, he hadn't returned to Tianchi Mountain but instead accompanied He Yiming and the others to Hengshan.

His arrival was met with immense welcome from He Yiming, Daoist Yao, and the others.

Following the news of the Totem Clan stirring restlessly in the distance, having an expert at the Xiantian realm like Xu Chenchang was naturally all the better.

Within days of their return to Hengshan, nothing major transpired within the mountains. While everything appeared tranquil, He Yiming vaguely sensed that this calm was merely the prelude to a massive storm.

As his thoughts wandered, the sound of footsteps startled him out of his reverie.

He looked up to see Daoist Yao, Lu Zhengyi, Lian Yi, Yu Xichen, and Xu Chenchang—all five Xiantian powerhouses—gathered together and walking toward him.

Since Yu Jinglei was absent from Hengshan, He Yiming, having ascended to the Yixiantian realm, naturally held the highest status. Therefore, if Daoist Yao and the others intended to discuss anything amongst themselves, they would undoubtedly have to come to his quarters.

Upon seeing their grave and vigilant expressions, He Yiming’s heart sank slightly. He thought inwardly, "They’ve arrived."

Indeed, as the group, led by Daoist Yao, approached him, Daoist Yao immediately spoke, "Elder He, I fear the Totem Clan has already arrived nearby."

Since He Yiming’s promotion to Yixiantian, the demeanor of Daoist Yao and the others toward him had shifted significantly. Beyond the requisite respect, there was also a deep, unconcealed reverence. This had nothing to do with seniority but was the natural posture shown by everyone when facing a superior power.

"Elder Yao, have you discovered their tracks?" He Yiming asked gravely.

"Not yet," Daoist Yao replied with a wry smile. "But several disciples recently responsible for gathering herbs and tending fields outside the mountain have suddenly lost contact."

He Yiming raised his eyebrows slightly and inquired, "How many are missing?"

"So far, six have vanished," Daoist Yao said with a solemn expression. "I have already ordered all disciples not to descend the mountain without explicit permission."

He Yiming calculated briefly and immediately understood that the Totem Clan members must have arrived. The Hengshan lineage was situated deep within the mountains, where the probability of encountering danger was far greater than outside. There had been instances before of disciples getting lost, only to be found dead later. However, such occurrences were rare, sometimes happening only once every few years, and usually involved only young children or the elderly and infirm. To have six disappear at once indicated definite interference from an external force.

"Can they be found?" He Yiming posed the most crucial question.

Daoist Yao smiled bitterly. "We are people who have lived in these mountains for years; we are intimately familiar with the forests. But this time, the Totem Clan members are clearly more familiar with the mountain wilderness than we are. We simply cannot locate their hiding places."

He Yiming frowned deeply. Facing such an enemy was truly maddeningly difficult.

Letting out a deep sigh, He Yiming suddenly noticed the hesitant air about Daoist Yao. His heart stirred, and he asked, "Have you devised a solution?"

Daoist Yao hurried to reply, "Several of us have discussed some countermeasures, and we seek Elder He's final decision."

He Yiming’s eyes brightened. "Speak quickly." In terms of martial cultivation, his skill surpassed the five Xiantian powerhouses present by more than a margin, but when it came to experience and insight, he was leagues behind. If even Daoist Yao and the others couldn't think of a proper solution, He Yiming would be utterly helpless. No one was universally accomplished; even He Yiming, after his fortuitous encounter at the lake bottom, was merely superior in martial arts.

Daoist Yao solemnly stated, "The plan we discussed is to contract our defenses, consolidating everyone from the nearby smaller peaks onto the five main, important peaks. Each peak will have a master stationed there. In the event of a crisis, a single shout of internal energy can notify the other peaks. This way, we can ensure losses are minimized. Even if we cannot capture the Totem Clan warriors, we can at least guarantee self-preservation."

He Yiming hesitated. "What about the six missing disciples?"

Daoist Yao’s face darkened. "Them… we can only hope they are safe and sound."

He Yiming immediately understood that Daoist Yao intended to write off those six disciples. He had the inclination to object but realized this was likely the best course of action right now. Since the six disciples were already missing, the outcome was almost certainly grim.

With a soft sigh, He Yiming conceded, "Since you have reached a consensus, proceed with the execution." He paused, adding, "Starting today, I will move to the summit of the main peak to reside with Grandfather and Eldest Uncle."

Daoist Yao and the others all nodded their heads. Facing this unexpected hostile pressure, He Yiming’s first consideration was his family, which was entirely understandable. Moreover, the main peak was the shortest distance from the other four peaks. Having the sect's strongest expert stationed there was undoubtedly the most appropriate arrangement.

After seeing Daoist Yao off, He Yiming also sighed inwardly. The status of a Yixiantian powerhouse in the Hengshan lineage was indeed different. If he were still merely a Bailiantian expert as before, Daoist Yao and the others would at most have sent one person to inform him; they wouldn't have come in a group of five to report to him as they did today. This was Daoist Yao and the others' way of showing him respect, or perhaps, they respected not He Yiming himself, but his formidable martial cultivation.

After a brief tidying up, He Yiming immediately headed for the main peak.

In the large courtyard situated halfway up the main peak, He Wude was observing He Quanxin practicing his martial arts. Since Elder He had issued the new decree, the entire Hengshan was on high alert, every corner filled with caution. Although the name 'Totem Clan' was unfamiliar, upon learning their origins, no one dared to be complacent. The fate of the six missing companions served as a chilling reminder to countless people, leaving them uneasy.

However, although the atmosphere on Hengshan had shifted, He Quanxin, residing above the midpoint of the main peak, remained completely unaffected. Daoist Yao and the others had issued strict orders not to approach this area or disturb He Quanxin’s focused cultivation. If he were to learn that Hengshan was currently facing a great disaster, he certainly would not continue his secluded practice.

He Yiming arrived at this estate and exchanged a meaningful glance with his grandfather; the old man nodded slightly. His expression was equally grim. Clearly, the news of the Totem Clan's invasion had not escaped his notice. He Yiming gave a slight nod and made a gesture conveying assurance, upon which his grandfather's expression eased slightly. He Yiming seemed to possess a power that inspired unwavering confidence in those who spent significant time with him, and He Wude was no exception.

He casually selected a room within this vast courtyard and settled in. After a moment of thought, he sat down quietly.

The moment he was seated, his entire demeanor changed. In his mind, the scene of him fortifying meridians and protecting Mu Zhanhao as he broke through to the Xiantian realm immediately surfaced. Although Mu Zhanhao’s strength was insignificant in his eyes, the lineage of the three-elemental techniques flowing within him had greatly benefited He Yiming. Through sparring with Mu Zhanhao and observing the flow patterns of his three internal energies, He Yiming, combining it with his own experience, had developed some personal insights into condensing the tangible Flower.

Currently, He Yiming’s most proficient martial arts were the Wind, Rain, Clouds, Mist, and Ice element techniques. Although he also cultivated other elements, his mastery was deepest in these few lines. Both the Wind/Rain/Clouds/Mist techniques and the Ice techniques were closely related to the Water element within the Five Elements. Therefore, if he intended to condense the Flower of the Five Elements, he naturally had to choose the Water Flower.

Although his eyes were closed, it in no way impaired He Yiming’s perception of the outside world. Within his body, the Water element true essence slowly gathered, gradually becoming thicker and stronger, eventually boiling. The surrounding Heaven and Earth Vital Energy surged into his body like a tide. Slowly, even the space around him began to ripple with a palpable, yet intangible, wave of power. This ripple began from his body and slowly spread outward, brushing over the grass and flowers like a gentle breeze. He Yiming’s body faintly experienced a strange sensation of unity with heaven and earth.

He Wude, in the courtyard, frowned. He vaguely sensed some strange change nearby, but after searching the surroundings for a long time, he found nothing. He shook his head, thinking, I am old; indeed, I’m becoming useless.

Elsewhere on Hengshan, the other five Bailiantian powerhouses sensed the power fluctuation sequentially. Unlike He Wude, they could perceive the subtle changes expressed by the power of heaven and earth. Although they didn't yet grasp what these changes signified, they understood exactly who had caused them. For a moment, the five men were unsettled. The four Xiantian experts of Hengshan all wore smiles; they knew that the stronger this person became, the more prosperous the Hengshan lineage would be.

Xu Chenchang, visiting from Tianchi Mountain, stared silently in a certain direction. Such a young Yixiantian powerhouse—could he already be gaining a new realization right after breaking through? It seemed the rise of the Hengshan lineage was unstoppable. He would definitely have to mention this upon returning to his Master.

Almost simultaneously, at the foot of Hengshan, an old man in peculiar attire frowned deeply, looking toward Hengshan with a gloomy expression, remaining silent. At his feet lay a massive wolf, over three meters long. The wolf’s eyes were bright blue, its maw slightly open, its tongue, vivid as fresh blood, panting heavily. Between its teeth lingered a shred of meat. Not far from it, in a corner, a corpse was barely recognizable. The ragged clothes on the body faintly indicated the unique attire of the Hengshan lineage. Behind him, six men with tattooed faces stood respectfully. In their eyes, the giant wolf inspired awe and worship.

The old man snorted lightly, as if speaking to himself, "The aura is indeed strong, but as long as they cannot discover our Wolf Clan's concealment techniques, how much better are you, no matter how strong? Hmph, give the order. Head up the mountain tonight."

Behind him, the six tattooed men responded in unison. Though only six, they exuded a ferocious and incomparable powerful aura.

※※※※

A massive amount of true essence flooded into He Yiming's body. With a single thought, he gently opened his mouth and exhaled a breath of vapor. This vapor, infused with He Yiming’s accumulated, powerful true essence, seemed to condense at that moment, carrying a strange essence. The seemingly endless Water element power between heaven and earth poured into He Yiming’s body, then flowed out through his mouth toward the virtual, ill-formed flower suspended in the void.

The two flowers Yu Jinglei had exhaled in the past were both stable in form and looked vividly lifelike, almost dripping with color. But the flower currently exhaled by He Yiming was clearly withered and bleak, its barely assembled petals swaying precariously, as if they could dissolve into wind at any moment.

A slight sheen of sweat appeared on He Yiming's forehead. Since reaching the Xiantian realm, he seemed never to have been so flustered. Although the Heaven and Earth energy continued to flood into his body madly, in He Yiming's perception, the speed was still insufficient—far from enough. The true essence he spat out was powerful, but the flower maintained in mid-air dissipated even faster. As soon as one petal fell, he rushed to replenish it, only for two more to drop. Once he managed to stabilize those two, another side ran into trouble. He seemed to have turned into a patchworker, rushing to whichever area was in crisis.

Slowly, more sweat beaded on his forehead, and a plume of white vapor, like smoke from a chimney, rose above his head—a result of pushing his true essence to its absolute limit. Yet, no matter how much true essence he mobilized, the white flower in mid-air still seemed unable to sustain itself.

"Crack…"

He seemed to hear a faint sound near his ear, and then the flower, already on the verge of collapse, finally burst completely, vanishing without a trace. This failure was not just due to insufficient true essence; his extremely clumsy movements during the condensation process were also a major factor in the failure.

He Yiming sighed deeply. Although there was a slight regret, the failure was within reasonable expectation. If the Three Flower Condensation truly were that easy, he would have felt lost instead. Instant success wasn't something that happened every time, nor should it be expected. However, this attempt at condensation allowed He Yiming to grasp some experience. He was confident that with continuous accumulation of experience and attempts, he would eventually succeed smoothly. Furthermore, what he aimed to condense was not a single-element flower but the Three Element Flower, leading to the 'Three Flowers Gathering at the Apex' in a tripod formation.

His ears twitched briefly, finally confirming that no one could stealthily approach the vicinity. He Yiming took out the silver ring from his chest and poured a massive amount of true essence into it. Moments later, a spatial world appeared before him. Reaching inside, he retrieved a stack of ancient-looking books. On these tomes, three large characters shone brilliantly. After so many years of careful preservation, the color on them had barely changed. At this point, even an idiot would know these books were priceless treasures.

His fingers gently brushed over these three characters as He Yiming murmured softly, "Illusionary Concealment Art."

Opening the book, He Yiming began to study it carefully. This was the secret manual he had found on Sima Yin after killing him. He had personally experienced the power of the Illusionary Concealment Art; even with an arm severed, Sima Yin had wielded it masterfully. If not for this technique, how could Sima Yin have evaded him for so long? He had actually skimmed this cultivation method in the cave months ago, but this was his first time truly practicing it.

Reading line by line the content recorded, He Yiming occasionally frowned in deep thought, sometimes looked enlightened, and sometimes puzzled. After a long while, he let out a disappointed sigh. This secret art worked best when performed in complex environments like the deep forests to unleash its maximum power. His gaze shifted; his room, though not small, was simple and straightforward. Training here to practice it would be impossible. After hesitating for a moment, He Yiming finally abandoned the thought of going out to practice this strange art. The current environment outside was perilous, and his Eldest Uncle was currently cultivating intensely; he absolutely could not be disturbed. He slowly closed his eyes again, silently reciting the incantations of the Illusionary Concealment Art in his mind while carefully savoring the formation and transformation of the Heaven and Earth power, seemingly completely immersed in it...

PS: Tomorrow, He Yiming will unleash a major move. Although he is unfamiliar with it, very few people will likely guess what it is ^_^ Bai He has thought about this for a long time, conceiving it on his first journey to Hengshan.