Daoist Yao smiled at He Yiming, his gaze filled with anticipation.

“Elder He, have you broken through again?”

He Yiming started slightly, asking back, “Elder Yao, what breakthrough are you referring to?”

Daoist Yao appeared slightly excited. “I already heard from Martial Uncle Yu that during your pursuit of Suoge and the others across ten thousand li, you successfully condensed two Formative Flowers.” He paused, swallowed, and his expression became somewhat strained. “Elder He, did you achieve another breakthrough during this secluded cultivation? Have you reached the stage of Three Flowers Converged at the Apex?”

Although He Yiming’s composure was far superior to what it once was, at that moment, he couldn't help but roll his eyes.

“Elder Yao, how did you arrive at that conclusion?” He Yiming took a deep breath and asked, annoyance coloring his tone.

Seeing the expression on He Yiming’s face, Daoist Yao seemed to understand something. He let out a long sigh. “Elder He, you have been in seclusion for a full month this time, which is why we misunderstood. Alas…” He shook his head, seemingly filled with immense regret and disbelief that He Yiming had not broken through.

He Yiming finally shook his head, a flicker of wry amusement crossing his eyes.

In the martial path, the higher one ascended, the exponentially more difficult breakthroughs became. Forget a month of seclusion; even thirty years might not be enough to smoothly manifest the third Formative Flower. Achieving convergence at the apex was an even wilder aspiration.

“Elder Yao, you are also a martial practitioner, and an Elder of the Innate Realm. Do you really think anyone could successfully comprehend the third Formative Flower and achieve convergence after just one month of seclusion?”

Daoist Yao was slightly taken aback. After a moment of consideration, he stated seriously, “If it were anyone else, this old man would certainly not believe it. But if Elder He achieved it, then this old man would have absolutely no doubt.”

He said this with absolute conviction, without the slightest hint of reservation.

Looking into Daoist Yao’s eyes, He Yiming finally understood the incredibly formidable image he held in this elder’s mind. After a secluded breakthrough, achieving any dazzling result seemed like the natural order of things. Conversely, achieving nothing would be the truly inexplicable event.

Faced with this reaction, which was the complete opposite of what others might expect, He Yiming truly didn't know whether to feel fortunate or miserable.

With a long sigh, He Yiming asked, “Elder Yao, why are you here?”

“Naturally, to stand guard for you,” Daoist Yao replied, grandly waving his sleeve. “Since you entered the Ancestor’s Secret Chamber, Martial Uncle Yu ordered the three of us to take turns guarding, ensuring no one disturbed you until you emerged on your own.”

He Yiming’s eyebrows lifted slightly, a surge of ineffable warmth welling up in his heart.

Inside the chamber, he had focused entirely on reading the stored volumes, indeed remaining undistracted. However, it was precisely this almost extreme dedication to study that led to his abundant harvest this time. After reading through the insights and experiences of all the seniors who had reached the First Ray level and above, he felt as if he had personally undergone countless trials. This reading had vastly broadened his horizons, and more importantly, it provided him with a comprehensive understanding and systematic review of the cultivation methods across all disciplines. While the effects might not be immediately apparent, this accumulated knowledge would prove immensely crucial as he continued to advance.

He bowed deeply to Daoist Yao and said softly, “Thank you, Elder Yao.”

Daoist Yao quickly helped him up. “Elder He, you are now the pillar of our Hengshan lineage, the very hope of our sect. How could I accept such a bow from you?”

He Yiming shook his head slightly. “Your elder was my ancestor’s master; they were as close as father and son. Based on that alone, there is nothing you cannot accept.”

Daoist Yao offered a wry smile. “Elder He, have you forgotten? On the martial path, strength dictates respect—that is an iron law.”

He Yiming paused, then broke into a wry laugh. “That so-called iron law is merely the rule established by the strong, isn't it…” His voice trailed off, but a slight smile of disdain curved his lips. Daoist Yao felt a jolt, seeming to grasp the implication, and sighed inwardly, saying no more.

The two walked side by side, leaving the secret chamber in the rear hall of the Ancestor Hall.

News of He Yiming’s emergence immediately reached Yu Jinglei and the others. By the time He Yiming returned to his quarters on the main peak, Yu Jinglei and the rest had already arrived.

Unlike Daoist Yao’s excessive expectations, Yu Jinglei appeared much calmer. He regarded He Yiming for a long moment before smiling. “Elder He, it seems this secluded cultivation yielded great gains.”

He Yiming waved his hand lightly. “Indeed, I gained some insights, but when I can progress further is hard to say.”

Yu Jinglei laughed heartily. “Progress on the martial path often involves great randomness, but I trust that with Elder He’s talent, you will surely ascend to the realm of Three Flowers Converged at the Apex.”

Behind Yu Jinglei, a sharp glint flashed in Zhu Baqi’s eyes; he nodded slowly. “Brother Yu speaks correctly. If even Elder He cannot successfully advance, then perhaps no one under heaven can achieve this step.”

The two of them had fought He Yiming, stopping short of determining a victor, yet both knew well that in their hearts, they would never again dare to look down upon him.

He Yiming nodded a polite greeting but did not join the conversation.

Yu Jinglei’s smile faded, and he asked seriously, “Elder He, what are your thoughts after examining the predecessors’ insights this time?”

He Yiming shook his head with a bitter smile. He knew the true intent behind Yu Jinglei’s question. “I reviewed all the secret texts left by the past elders of Hengshan. While I gained much, there was no precedent recorded for the fusion of two flowers, nor any related mention.”

A hint of disappointment crossed Yu Jinglei’s face. He had successfully condensed the Wood and Water dual flowers decades ago. Since then, he had made no further progress and knew his life’s achievement had plateaued; he would never condense the third Formative Flower to stand alongside the other two. However, upon witnessing He Yiming’s Wind and Fire dual flowers, his heart stirred. Deep down, he still longed to travel further down the martial path. But if even He Yiming himself could not articulate how the Wind and Fire dual flowers fused, then Yu Jinglei was even more lost, and the recently sparked notion seemed instantly extinguished, leaving him listless.

Zhu Baqi suddenly interjected, “Elder He, in our Tianchi Mountain, there are several seniors who possess great abilities. If you sought their counsel, perhaps you might gain some enlightenment.”

He Yiming raised his eyes; he certainly understood that anyone Zhu Baqi referred to as a ‘great figure’ must be an unparalleled master at the level of Three Flowers Converged at the Apex.

A look of surprise flashed across Yu Jinglei’s face. “Brother Zhu, are the seniors on the Tianchi main branch actually willing to open their doors to visitors?”

Zhu Baqi gave a knowing smile. “For an ordinary guest, that would be unlikely. But if they knew that within the branch lineage resides an unparalleled figure like Elder He, those seniors would surely view things differently.” His meaning was quite clear: Yu Jinglei would not gain an audience, but if He Yiming went, the situation would change.

Although Yu Jinglei understood the implication, he felt no anger; instead, he nodded slightly. “Elder He, examining cultivation notes is ultimately less effective than receiving guidance from those predecessors in person. In my opinion, you should make the trip to Tianchi Mountain yourself.”

He Yiming’s gaze swept over their faces; he felt a subtle strangeness. Were these two colluding in a pre-arranged plan? Nevertheless, the thought of meeting those legendary masters stirred a sense of anticipation within him.

After a moment of contemplation, he said, “Very well. Since that is the case, I, He, will journey to the Tianchi main branch. I ask for Brother Zhu’s assistance.”

Zhu Baqi and Yu Jinglei simultaneously let out a breath of relief, exchanging a look. They smiled. “Since Elder He has decided, when shall we depart?”

He Yiming considered briefly. “We shall set off three days from now.” He paused. “During these three days, I wish to contemplate some matters.” He stood up, gazing into the distance. At that moment, everyone felt a strange sensation—He Yiming’s thoughts were no longer truly present.

After a long while, He Yiming seemed to finally snap back to reality. “Elder Yu, please help me prepare some items; I will need them…”

Watching He Yiming depart, Zhu Baqi asked after a long silence, “Brother Yu, are you not going to tell him the truth?”

Yu Jinglei sighed bitterly. “It doesn't matter. Elder He will find out when he reaches Tianchi Mountain.”

Zhu Baqi hesitated, then shook his head slightly. “I truly don’t understand what those old fellows have gotten into, to do such a thing. If He Yiming finds out…”

Yu Jinglei’s expression shifted slightly; he waved a hand and cast a vigilant glance around, as if wary of something.

Zhu Baqi lifted his head. “No need to worry, Brother Yu. Since Elder He took incense and offerings, he must be going to pay respects to Shui Xuanjin. With his movement technique, he has likely already left the mountain.”

Yu Jinglei relaxed. He said solemnly, “I do not know why those old men are doing this, but since they have agreed to bear the retaliation from the Wolf Totem clan, what choice do I have?”

Zhu Baqi looked at him with a peculiar expression. “Brother Yu, you didn’t speak this way when He Yiming left to pursue Suoge and the others.”

Yu Jinglei was silent for a moment, then finally sighed deeply. “Brother Zhu, on that day, did you really think he could kill every single member of the Totem tribe?”

Zhu Baqi was instantly struck speechless. Before He Yiming returned, they assumed the best he could do was kill one or two Totem Envoys and some tribesmen. They never imagined he would actually accomplish this near-impossible feat.

A moment later, Zhu Baqi looked at the worried Yu Jinglei and comforted him. “Don’t worry, Brother Yu. Elder He is absolutely the most gifted individual in martial arts talent this Northwest has ever seen. Whatever those old guys are planning, they won't dare harm Elder He.”

A look of helplessness crossed Yu Jinglei’s face. “I know that. Otherwise, I would rather have every disciple of Hengshan leave and take refuge outside for decades than agree to persuade Elder He to go to Tianchi Mountain.”

Zhu Baqi patted his old friend’s shoulder. “Let’s hope those old fellows don’t go too far.”

Yu Jinglei sighed deeply. “Let’s hope so…”

After leaving Yu Jinglei and the others, He Yiming immediately transformed into a gust of wind, drifting lightly away from the Hengshan lineage. His speed was incredible, approaching that of a soaring bird; even the true birds in the sky might not match the current He Yiming. In just over an hour, he arrived at a secluded mountain valley. This was a place intimately familiar to him; besides himself, only Yuan Lixun knew of it.

Yuan Lixun was naturally not there. He Yiming entered the valley and walked straight toward a lone grave. In this place of beautiful scenery, the single, tall mound stood out prominently.

He Yiming stopped before the grave. He stared silently for a long moment, then took out the silver ring he carried, pouring a massive amount of Zhenqi into it. The mysterious space reappeared once more. He Yiming reached in and retrieved incense, candles, a small black wooden altar table, and some sacrificial wine and food. With a gentle pinch, the powerful force of Fire instantly lit the candles. Watching the flickering candlelight, He Yiming sat down quietly. Although he knew Shui Xuanjin could no longer enjoy these things, he still chose to follow the customary rites of ordinary people.

When the incense and candles were halfway burned, He Yiming reached into the mysterious space again. He retrieved a monstrous snake, long since split in two and utterly dead, and the severed head of a crimson wolf. He Yiming grasped one of the fangs protruding from the Crimson Wolf King’s gaping maw and unleashed a torrent of Zhenqi, forcibly wrenching the great tooth free. The Crimson Wolf King’s tooth was extraordinarily sharp, easily comparable to ordinary treasured blades. Under the infusion of He Yiming’s Zhenqi, this dagger gleamed brightly, almost too intense to look at. With a light pull, the strange snake’s hide split open. When alive, perhaps this creature could use special abilities to resist the blade in He Yiming’s hand, but now, it tore like ordinary cloth.

After skinning the snake, He Yiming found a peculiar inner elixir within its head. This elixir was tiny and elongated; had He Yiming not retrieved it himself from the snake’s skull, he might not have been certain it was the inner elixir of a thousand-year mutated spirit beast. He then repeated the process, skinning the Crimson Wolf King and extracting its elixir.

Finding a pile of dry branches, He Yiming started a fire and tossed the two spirit beasts into the flames. Watching the fire slowly burn, his mood was equally distant and distracted.

Shui Xuanjin had died from the dagger of She Ru. But if Suoge had not intended to kill him, Shui Xuanjin would never have died saving him. He Yiming had killed both She Ru and Suoge, but he was unwilling to transport their corpses ten thousand li to this place. Therefore, he brought these two spirit beasts to be burned entirely before Shui Xuanjin’s grave. Using beasts to represent men—this was He Yiming’s method. If Suoge and She Ru could be resurrected, they would likely be infuriated to death all over again.

He Yiming sat there, waiting for the flames before him to slowly diminish. Idly, He Yiming turned his head. Standing silently in the distance was a tall, solitary figure. This man had followed He Yiming here and had stood motionless ever since. His gaze was fixed on He Yiming, seemingly oblivious to the crude concealment on the cliff face. Before pursuing Suoge, He Yiming had deliberately avoided this place while moving toward it. But after returning from the fire cave, He Yiming no longer bothered concealing anything. Even if this man discovered this hidden valley and the white boulder concealed within, He Yiming didn't care. Because the moment he became the Great Guan Dao, that feeling of flesh and blood connection was something he would never forget. It was precisely because of this feeling that He Yiming had not shaken off his pursuer, but had allowed him to come to this place as well.

He averted his gaze, pretending not to notice him, and poured another cup of wine before the tomb.

“Brother Shui, I have avenged you…” He Yiming said slowly. “Ninety-six Wolf Totem tribesmen, the Mission Totem Envoy, two Great Envoys, and these two damned spirit beasts—all have been executed. I…” His voice suddenly hitched, and after a pause, he continued, “Not a single one remains.”

Closing his eyes, the old man’s appearance seemed to reappear before him. A gust of wind blew from afar, circled once before him, and slowly dissipated. The dust particles lifted by the fire drifted before him on this current. He Yiming quietly watched the floating ashes. He whispered, “Brother Shui, is that you? If you don’t answer, I’ll just assume you are here, alright?”

The sound of the wind whined past his ears, as if responding to He Yiming’s question. He raised the wine cup from before the tomb and gently sprinkled the liquid onto the ground; his gaze gradually grew resolute.

“Brother Shui, I know what you truly cared about wasn't whether I avenged you… I know what you are thinking… Do not worry, I will fulfill your wish. Tianluo Kingdom will surely become the foremost power in the Northwest…”

His voice was not loud, but it echoed through this small valley, as if countless people were making a promise simultaneously, until it drifted far, far away…