Upon hearing Zhou Datian’s voice, thick with resignation and sorrow, Yang Hao and the others felt a wave of relief wash over them, yet it was mingled with a sense of shared melancholy—the sorrow of a fox mourning the death of its companion.

With their keen perception, they could readily see that He Yiming's strength had reached a level comparable to Zhou Datian's.

This in itself was not the issue; the problem was He Yiming's astonishingly youthful appearance. Although they suspected the rumored age was exaggerated, they were certain he was undeniably young. At the very least, compared to them, the veterans, he was exceptionally so.

With a soft sigh, Yang Hao pushed the troubling thought aside. He stepped forward and said, "You two share the same lineage. A friendly spar, with wins and losses, truly amounts to nothing significant."

Though his words were kind, everyone present knew that since Zhou Datian could not defeat He Yiming today, he would never have such an opportunity again.

As time wore on, the gap in their martial attainment would inevitably widen, eventually solidifying into an uncrossable chasm.

Moreover, this fate applied not just to Zhou Datian, but to all of them as well.

Zhou Datian nodded slightly. After all, he was an old fox who had lived for over two centuries, his composure far surpassing that of ordinary men. Hearing Yang Hao's words, the initial strain on his face had faded.

Yang Hao turned his gaze, fixing it intently on the Five Elements Ring in He Yiming's hand.

This treasured artifact had already displayed immense power. Though it seemed to be merely the tip of an iceberg, offering only a glimpse of its true capabilities, those present, men of distinguished backgrounds and extensive knowledge, could vaguely discern its origin.

"Brother He, might I have a moment to examine the weapon in your hand?" Yang Hao asked, his tone serious.

He Yiming smiled faintly. With a casual toss, the Five Elements Ring soared upward, drifting toward Yang Hao as lightly as a piece of weightless paper.

The Five Elements Ring indeed possessed a remarkable quality. It was currently saturated with the vast true energy He Yiming had infused into it. Before this energy dissipated, it would be absolutely impossible for anyone else to use it effectively.

Even if someone managed to forcibly suppress that internal true energy, the Five Elements Ring, in their hands, would revert to being nothing more than an ordinary, distinctively shaped hoop, incapable of unleashing its true might.

Thus, He Yiming felt no concern that Yang Hao might covet the treasure.

After turning the ring over in his hands for a moment, Yang Hao attempted to channel his own true energy into it, but the outcome was predictable.

After a long pause, he sighed deeply, "While this is not the legendary Divine Weapon of lore, it is a remarkably faithful imitation. Its power, in the martial world today, certainly ranks it among the peak treasures."

He Yiming paused, slightly startled. "An imitation of a Divine Weapon?"

"Precisely," Yang Hao replied, tossing the Five Elements Ring back to He Yiming.

Taking the ring back, He Yiming gently stroked its surface. He finally understood why the Five Elements Ring lacked the world-shattering power described in legends—it was, in fact, a replica. Yet, even so, He Yiming was completely satisfied.

With his current level of strength, wielding this Five Elements Ring was perfectly suitable. If he held the actual legendary artifact, he might only feel constant apprehension.

Zhou Datian’s gaze lingered on the Five Elements Ring for a long while, his internal turmoil finally beginning to settle.

Even though this treasured artifact was not the genuine celestial item of legend, an imitation possessing even one or two tenths of its true power was surely beyond anything he could have hoped to resist.

To be defeated by such an item held no true shame.

"Brother He, now that you have honored Tianchi with your presence, what is the purpose of your visit?" Yang Hao asked with a genial smile.

In his heart, he had already resolved to foster a strong connection with this young man of boundless potential. Based on the strength he displayed and the divine weapon he possessed, even if he made no further progress, he already had the foundation to stand proudly among peers of his generation.

Of course, to suggest he wouldn't improve further was pure nonsense.

He Yiming smiled faintly, hesitating for a moment before glancing at Zhu Baqi. "Brother Yang, this junior has come up the mountain specifically to find someone."

"Which peak's person you seek, leave that entirely to this old man," Yang Hao declared heartily, raising his eyebrows.

Even within the entirety of Tianchi Mountain, he held a position of some influence. While he couldn't promise everything, finding a single individual was certainly within his means.

He Yiming shook his head slightly. "Thank you kindly for your offer, Brother Yang. Brother Zhu should know the matter."

Yang Hao glanced at Zhu Baqi, then smiled. "With Junior Brother Zhu guiding the way, there should be no issue." He then nodded with a knowing look, taking Zhou Datian by the arm as they departed. However, before leaving their sight, he spared a quick glance toward the direction of Bai Lingba and the Precious Pig spirit beast.

That pair was indeed exceptionally strange and eye-catching. But Yang Hao, being self-aware, immediately dismissed them from his focus upon seeing the Precious Pig spirit beast. He knew that perhaps someone on Tianchi Mountain could afford to offend that creature, but he certainly was not that person.

Though Yang Hao had left, his display of warmth left a very favorable impression on He Yiming.

Once the two were out of sight, He Yiming turned back to Zhu Baqi. "Brother Zhu, your disciple Xu Chengchang should be located on the Main Peak of Tianchi, correct?"

A flicker of awkwardness crossed Zhu Baqi's face. He understood perfectly that He Yiming's inquiry about Xu Chengchang was merely a pretext to ask about Yuan Lixun's whereabouts.

But now that they had arrived at Tianchi Mountain, there was no longer any need for concealment.

He nodded slightly. "Elder He, after my junior disciple brought Miss Yuan up to Tianshan, she should be residing in the guest quarters on the Main Peak. I will accompany you shortly."

He Yiming nodded in satisfaction. He looked up, a trace of longing in his eyes.

"Precious Pig, Precious Pig, we've reached the Main Peak now, you should come back with me."

He Yiming and the other were astonished. They turned to see Chen Weiran standing before Bai Lingba, speaking gently and reasonably to the Precious Pig spirit beast, which merely turned its head away, showing him absolutely no deference.

However, Chen Weiran seemed long accustomed to this, unconcerned by its attitude.

He Yiming frowned slightly. "Brother Zhu, what exactly is the situation with this spirit beast?"

Zhu Baqi lowered his voice. "Elder He, you may not know, but this Precious Pig spirit beast has another name: the Treasure-Seeking Pig. It possesses a nose unmatched in the world; if you carry any treasure, you cannot hope to hide it from it. In my view, Mr. Bai Lingba must be carrying some object that the Precious Pig favors, which is why it lunged at him with such abandon."

He Yiming’s brow furrowed. His guess was indeed correct: the Precious Pig must have taken Bai Lingba himself as a treasure, just as it had resolutely stood over the Five Elements Ring the moment it saw it.

However, regardless of the spirit beast’s origins, He Yiming could not agree to hand over Bai Lingba.

"Brother Zhu, this situation doesn't seem sustainable, does it?" He Yiming murmured. "Even if Brother Bai doesn't mind, seeing the Precious Pig act like this—isn't it causing trouble for Brother Bai?"

Zhu Baqi offered a wry smile. "Elder He, please forgive the Precious Pig's capriciousness. But I can guarantee that as long as we are within Tianchi, absolutely no one would dare to lay a finger on Mr. Bai."

He Yiming spoke calmly, "If word of this spreads, what happens when Brother Bai leaves Tianchi Mountain and encounters trouble elsewhere?"

Zhu Baqi was momentarily speechless. In truth, while the Precious Pig spirit beast had exhibited similar behavior before, a total fixation like this was unprecedented.

Seeing the distressed Zhu Baqi and the fidgeting Chen Weiran—who looked like an ant on a hot griddle—He Yiming’s heart shifted. Suddenly, he said, "Gentlemen, since the Precious Pig is so fond of Bai Lingba, let it stay with Brother Bai temporarily. We can address it when we depart the mountain."

Zhu Baqi was taken aback, unable to fathom why He Yiming had changed his stance so abruptly. Still, it was the best possible compromise. After a quick discussion with Chen Weiran, they could only agree.

From that moment on, both men looked upon He Yiming with a degree of gratitude, especially Chen Weiran, who had been responsible for the Precious Pig's care for over a hundred years.

Yet, deep down, he could not suppress a pang of jealousy. He had been companions with the Precious Pig spirit beast for over a century, forging deep affection between them. But the moment Bai Lingba appeared, he seemed to usurp his position, naturally stirring unusual thoughts within him.

However, he did not know that in the Precious Pig's mind, the tall Bai Lingba was not actually a person, but merely a giant treasure.

The group proceeded up the mountain and finally stopped halfway up.

Along the way, they saw Tianchi disciples practicing their fists and swordsmanship everywhere, and others facing the rising sun, engaged in vital energy absorption. If nothing else, the atmosphere for martial cultivation here was clearly a notch above Hengshan.

Seeing the look of astonishment on Yu Xichen's face, Zhu Baqi smiled. "The main vein of Tianchi covers a vast area. Although the peaks spanning tens of miles belong to the same lineage, each forms its own distinct family, with its own methods of cultivation. Every two years, the sect holds a competition among the disciples of the various peaks. Though there is no formal ranking, the peaks placing in the top ten receive certain rewards." He pointed ahead. "The disciples of the Main Peak are the strongest of all the peaks, having continuously monopolized the first place in the competition for ten cycles."

He Yiming finally understood: the tradition of competition between the main vein and the branches of Tianchi Mountain was an outstanding and glorious one.

Measured by effectiveness, this was clearly an excellent method. One only needed to observe the performance of the Main Peak disciples to gauge the results.

Yu Xichen sighed deeply. "Only through competition can true vitality be maintained." He glanced at the faces of the Hengshan elites behind him, noticing the dawning comprehension in their eyes. Yu Xichen realized this must be why Yu Jinglei had instructed him to bring the group to Tianchi.

He could already envision that upon returning to Hengshan, they would surely strive diligently, becoming the next pillars of Hengshan.

However, after hearing Yu Xichen's assessment, Zhu Baqi merely offered a bitter smile, sweeping his gaze over He Yiming before saying no more.

Led by Zhu Baqi, they entered a beautiful courtyard.

It was an independent courtyard nestled on a corner of the mountainside, with a sheer cliff face extending eastward from the mountainside, hanging suspended in the air. When He Yiming saw this spot and stepped onto it, he felt a sense of sudden clarity.

Upon entering the courtyard, Zhu Baqi’s first priority was arranging a room for Bai Lingba.

Although this man was taciturn, refusing to utter more than a few necessary words even when Zhu Baqi actively tried to engage him, true masters who spent time with Bai Lingba invariably developed a strange sense of awe and apprehension toward this man who emitted no trace of vital energy.

Coupled with the Precious Pig spirit beast clinging tightly to him, he naturally received even more preferential treatment than He Yiming.

After confirming his room, Bai Lingba immediately entered and shut the door.

Chen Weiran, worried about the Precious Pig’s safety, shamelessly went to request an audience but was met with a closed door. Bai Lingba inside completely ignored him. If he hadn't been able to sense the Precious Pig's steady breathing, Chen Weiran would have been tempted to break down the door.

He Yiming shook his head for a long time, finally vouching for him, allowing Chen Weiran to leave with lingering, backward glances.

But he couldn't blame Chen Weiran for his caution. If He Yiming hadn't known that Bai Lingba would never intentionally harm intelligent spirit beasts, he wouldn't have dared to make that promise and guarantee.

In reality, if any other person were pestered by the Precious Pig spirit beast in such a manner, they would likely feel the urge to slaughter it for meat. At this moment, He Yiming’s only consolation was that Bai Lingba was fortunately not a true human being.

After settling Bai Lingba and the Hengshan disciples, He Yiming cheerfully took Zhu Baqi’s hand. Though a calm smile graced his face, his eyes held no trace of amusement.

Zhu Baqi sighed deeply. "Elder He, it is true that my junior disciple brought Miss Yuan to Tianchi, but exactly where she is located, even I do not know."

He Yiming’s expression shifted slightly. "Brother Zhu, I have a query: for what reason did you instruct Brother Xu Chengchang to bring Lixun to Tianchi?"

Zhu Baqi’s expression remained unchanged. "Naturally, it was due to the conflict that arose in Kaifeng Country, instigated by you."

A sharp glint flashed in He Yiming’s eyes. "Tu Fan's Zhou Datian?"

Recalling the past incident in Kaifeng Country always stirred a latent dissatisfaction within him. Having just encountered Zhou Datian of the Tu Fan nation at the foot of the mountain, he had instinctively linked the two.

However, Zhu Baqi shook his head. "Elder He, I know you killed a prince of Tu Fan, but given your current strength—even Zhou Datian was defeated by you—it is impossible for them to seek revenge over such a trivial matter now."

He Yiming’s expression softened slightly, but his heart sighed deeply.

Zhu Baqi's meaning was clear: Zhou Datian's challenge earlier was partly an act of retaliation. But since even he was no match, the attitude of the Tu Fan nation toward He Yiming would undoubtedly undergo a drastic change.

This was the benefit of overwhelming power; even an entire nation like Tu Fan had to submit to superior martial force.

"If it's not Tu Fan Country..." He Yiming hesitated, "The Northern Frontier Snow Plains?"

Zhu Baqi nodded solemnly. "That is correct. At this point, I have no need to hide anything. Envoys from the Northern Frontier Snow Plains arrived at Tianchi, requesting that we intervene and bring Miss Yuan into the mountain."

He Yiming's face immediately turned grim. A sense of inexpressible anger and suppression washed over him.

Although he had offended Mu Jintian and Zhuo Wanlian due to the previous clash, he had also seen Mu Zhanhao, Mu Jintian's grandson, promoted to a Natal Protector, effectively resolving that grievance.

Now, for this matter, the Northern Frontier Snow Plains was making such a conspicuous show, even sending envoys to Tianchi. What chilled him even more was Tianchi’s decision to offer unconditional concession.

If this was how the Main Peak treated its branches, what need was there for a Main Peak at all?

Seeing the volatile changes on He Yiming’s face, Zhu Baqi quickly explained, "Elder He, although I do not know why the Northern Frontier Snow Plains is acting this way—it seems inconsistent with their usual behavior—upon receiving the news, I immediately arranged for Miss Yuan to be brought up the mountain and sought my Master's arrangement. With my Master's standing in Tianchi, at the very least, Miss Yuan's safety can be guaranteed." He paused. "In front of my Master, even the Senior Mu Qingxuan of the Northern Frontier Snow Plains could not harm Miss Yuan."

He Yiming looked at him intently. Zhu Baqi’s eyes were filled with candidness, suggesting his words were entirely sincere.

"Brother Zhu, who is your Master?"

"My Master is Ai Wenbin, known as the 'Thousand Illusions Hermit,' and he is one of the elders on Tianchi's Main Peak," Zhu Baqi stated with evident pride. The profound respect emanating from his very bones when mentioning his master was palpable even to He Yiming.

He Yiming drew a sharp breath. Before coming to Tianchi, Yu Jinglei had briefed him on some aspects of the Main Peak structure.

Tianchi Mountain spanned a vast area, with peaks covering scores of miles housing the residences of the various factions.

Although these groups resided within the main structure, they were essentially independent, small branches.

But if a peak produced a supreme master reaching the Three Flowers Gathering level, that peak automatically qualified for its representative to become a Main Peak Elder. That faction would then be entitled to residences on their own peak and the Main Peak—this was the highest honor for any disciple in Tianchi Mountain.

When that Main Peak Elder perished, if the faction lacked an equivalent successor, they had to return to their original peak, awaiting a chance for future ascendancy.

This was the rule established since Tianchi's founding, applying even to the branches. It was because of this rule that every faction strove for excellence, allowing the entire Tianchi lineage to remain steadfast in the Northwest for generations.

He looked deeply at Zhu Baqi. It turned out his skills were not solely self-taught; he also had the guidance of a genuine Three Flowers Gathering level expert.

Just as He Yiming was about to ask a question, his ears suddenly twitched. A look of mingled surprise and joy crossed his face. His body moved instantly, leaving the bewildered Zhu Baqi behind, and he shot out of the hall to the courtyard exterior.

There, a woman in white stood, her long hair flowing in the wind, gazing back at him with an equally joyous expression…

Ps: I slept heavily yesterday, but it seems my condition hasn't improved. This morning, I went to the hospital and intended to rush through the emergency internal medicine department. But just as it was almost my turn, another patient walked in, showing the doctor a prescription and stating that the prescribed medicine (an injection) couldn't be administered with what the nurse said...

Upon encountering such a situation, White Crane instantly became alert. The headache vanished, and a chill ran down his spine. He immediately grabbed his medical record card and turned to leave. He quietly exited the emergency room and returned to the regular internal medicine line to queue again.

The place was packed. White Crane finally collected his medicine and got his IV drip, returning home after one in the afternoon.

Today there will only be two chapters totaling ten thousand characters; please forgive this.

Additionally, White Crane calculated that from the 22nd until today, five days have passed, during which he updated 55,000 characters. With four days remaining until the ninth day, he still needs 65,000 more characters.

For the final four days, I ask all readers to wait and see. If I fail to meet this target, I swear I will never ask for monthly tickets again...