Yang Hao’s eyes suddenly lit up. He let out a loud laugh. “Brother Zhang, it turns out you are leading the delegation again this time.”

He Yi Ming’s heart stirred slightly. During the preceding conversation among the group, Zhu Ba Qi had already stated that Jin Zhanyi was the one leading the team this time. But Yang Hao deliberately ignored him now, which clearly expressed his inner dissatisfaction.

With a sidelong glance, Jin Zhanyi was still gazing up at the mountain peak soaring into the clouds, seemingly oblivious to the hidden meaning.

The elder opposite also let out a hearty laugh. “Brother Yang, it’s been nearly ten years since we last met. Greetings to all of you... Junior Brother Jin, you are indeed here.”

The elder spoke halfway through his greeting before finally noticing Jin Zhanyi behind the group.

Yang Hao acted as if he hadn't heard the elder, saying, “Everyone, this is Brother Zhang Zhong Jin, one of the Inner Sect Deacons of the Lingxiao Treasure Hall.”

To He Yi Ming’s surprise, everyone, including Yu Jinglei, stepped forward with smiles, greeting Zhang Zhong Jin familiarly.

Seeing their reaction, He Yi Ming suddenly understood. Yang Hao was merely introducing this elder to him. As for the others, they had likely met this elder long ago.

Zhang Zhong Jin greeted everyone one by one. Observing the expressions of the crowd and the aloof Jin Zhanyi, a wry, helpless smile appeared on his face.

He knew his junior brother intimately, and at a glance, he realized Jin Zhanyi must have offended these masters. He felt a desire to intercede slightly, but considering Jin Zhanyi’s arrogant temperament, he could only sigh inwardly and spare himself the trouble.

As Zhang Zhong Jin stepped forward, the people behind him halted, waiting respectfully at a distance.

He Yi Ming’s gaze swept over these individuals, and after a moment, his eyebrows lifted slightly; he had already discerned a clue.

These people were all Houtian practitioners, and the majority possessed cultivation around the Ninth Layer. Of course, there were also peak Houtian experts at the Tenth Layer of Inner Strength.

Furthermore, judging by their appearances, they should all be under fifty years old.

Connecting this to the upcoming Mountain Opening Competition, He Yi Ming’s mind became instantly clear.

These nearly one hundred people were definitely not here merely as guests or spectators. If nothing unexpected occurred, they would likely participate in the contests themselves.

Yang Hao and the others conversed in tacit understanding, clearly excluding Jin Zhanyi from their discussion.

Although Zhang Zhong Jin was well aware of the situation, he could only offer a wry smile and pretend ignorance.

Yu Jinglei signaled He Yi Ming with his eyes and said, “Brother Zhang, this is Elder He, a newly advanced first-tier master from our sect. It’s your first meeting today, so you must show him some consideration later.”

Zhang Zhong Jin’s gaze finally settled on He Yi Ming, and a flicker of disbelief crossed his eyes.

Although first-tier masters generally possessed techniques to maintain their appearance, being this young was simply too exaggerated.

He hesitated for a moment, then his eyes suddenly brightened as if recalling something. He slapped his forehead. “It is Elder He! I have long admired Elder He’s great reputation. It is truly wonderful that you have finally advanced to the first tier.”

Yu Jinglei and the others exchanged glances, surprised that He Yi Ming’s fame had reached even the visitors from the distant Great Shen Empire.

Jin Zhanyi finally turned his head. His gaze swept over He Yi Ming, and a look of astonishment appeared in his eyes.

“Brother He advanced to the first tier within these last ten years?”

Yang Hao smiled faintly. “That’s right. Brother He hasn't been a first-tier master for very long, and this is his first time meeting the two of you.”

The arrogance in Jin Zhanyi’s eyes finally vanished. He looked quietly at He Yi Ming, and a stronger, more resolute fighting spirit gradually emerged in his gaze.

He Yi Ming shot Yang Hao an irritated glance, extremely displeased in his heart. He firmly resolved not to engage in a life-or-death struggle with Jin Zhanyi.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Yang Hao laughed, “Brother Zhang, shall we begin?”

Zhang Zhong Jin nodded with a smile. “Indeed. Everything will proceed according to the old rules.”

He Yi Ming was suspicious, yet he noticed that everyone, including Yu Jinglei, wore smiles, clearly anticipating this established ritual.

With a grand gesture, Yang Hao signaled, and people immediately escorted the delegation from Great Shen up the mountain. Zhang Zhong Jin, however, led a dozen or so individuals to a simple residence at the foot of the mountain with Yang Hao.

Yang Hao gave a slightly awkward smile. “Brother Zhang, we were originally going to wait at the Guest Greeting Pavilion halfway up the mountain, but a minor unexpected incident occurred, which is why we came down. Although this place is a bit humble, it shouldn't matter much. Please bear with us.”

Zhang Zhong Jin waved his hand. “Brother Yang, you are too kind. Let’s start then.”

Being shrewd and experienced, he knew the so-called incident was certainly related to Junior Brother Jin, so he quickly steered the conversation away.

With a light wave of his hand, the dozen or so people behind him stepped forward simultaneously, neatly placing the bundles on their backs onto the table in the room. Then, they all bowed respectfully and retreated.

Their synchronized movements clearly indicated they were well-trained. Zhang Zhong Jin stepped forward, not minding the trouble, and personally began opening each bundle.

He Yi Ming glanced over them and finally understood completely.

Even guests from the Great Shen Empire would not warrant such a large welcoming party of first-tier masters.

However, upon seeing these bundles, He Yi Ming finally grasped the reason.

The bundles contained a vast array of items—raw ore, medicinal herbs, and even treasured artifacts could all be found within.

Most of the contents were unfamiliar to He Yi Ming, but he recognized a few rare medicinal herbs. Anything placed alongside these rare herbs must surely be considered a rare treasure.

Suddenly, He Yi Ming’s eyes shone. Inside one of the bundles was a withered, shriveled herb. Although this thing looked unimpressive, He Yi Ming knew it was an essential ingredient for refining the Longevity Elixir.

His heart stirred deeply, and he immediately decided that if possible, he must acquire it.

Zhang Zhong Jin clapped his hands and laughed heartily. “Gentlemen, these are all the items I have brought this time. Don’t say I brought too little!”

The eyes of Yang Hao and the others had long been fixed on these items. While they spoke modest words, their gazes never wavered from the objects.

A moment later, someone produced the treasures they had prepared earlier and began negotiating with Zhang Zhong Jin.

The Tianchi Mountain side had over ten people, while Zhang Zhong Jin had only one representative. Yet, He Yi Ming observed that everyone remained extremely patient, as if they had an unspoken agreement. They negotiated one after another, seemingly unconcerned that an item they favored might be snatched by someone else.

Yu Jinglei approached him. “Elder He, is there anything you fancy?”

He Yi Ming pointed unceremoniously and said, “Elder Yu, I want that Black Wood Ganoderma.”

Although they spoke very softly, they used no special techniques; everyone heard them clearly. Almost every eye followed where He Yi Ming’s finger pointed.

In one of the bundles lay a dark, withered, clump-shaped herb. Although this item was inconspicuous, and few people knew its use, none of the experts present would judge an item's value by its exterior appearance alone.

Yu Jinglei nodded slightly and said nothing, but his expression suggested he was quite confident.

Zhang Zhong Jin’s gaze also flickered over the Black Wood Ganoderma, and a look of sudden realization seemed to flash in his eyes.

After the next person concluded their trade, Zhou Datian stepped forward. He took out a wooden box, opened it, and placed it before Zhang Zhong Jin. “Brother Zhang, I wish to exchange for the Black Wood Ganoderma.”

He Yi Ming’s expression shifted slightly. Not only him, but the others were also momentarily stunned. Yang Hao’s and Zhu Ba Qi’s eyes even showed a trace of worry.

He Yi Ming had pointed out the Black Wood Ganoderma so openly just now, signaling his resolute intent to obtain it. Now, Zhou Datian interjecting complicated matters, while he couldn't openly object, carried a very suggestive implication.

Zhang Zhong Jin was also taken aback. He opened his mouth, his gaze sweeping between He Yi Ming and Zhou Datian, and after a moment of contemplation, he said, “Brother Zhou, what you asked me to keep an eye out for nine years ago was not the Black Wood Ganoderma.”

Zhou Datian smiled slightly. “Brother Zhang, I’ve changed my mind now. I ask for your understanding.”

Zhang Zhong Jin sighed deeply, reached out, closed the wooden box, and drew it toward himself. Then, he presented the Black Wood Ganoderma to Zhou Datian.

He Yi Ming’s face had returned to normal, seemingly without any lingering resentment. However, he was quite annoyed in his heart. Zhou Datian’s move was too blatant, clearly intended to make things difficult for him.

But despite his anger, he did not act rashly. This was, after all, the main vein of Tianchi Mountain; who knew how many Three-Flower Venerables were present? To fall out with the Totem Branch over this matter would be truly unwise.

Yu Jinglei snorted, a look of annoyance also crossing his face, but ultimately, he chose to swallow his pride.

Yang Hao shook his head slightly. “Brother Zhou, we are all from the same lineage…”

Zhou Datian waved his hand, interrupting Yang Hao’s words. “Brother Yang, you misunderstand.”

He turned, holding the Black Wood Ganoderma, and walked directly toward He Yi Ming.

Yang Hao and Zhu Ba Qi, along with the others, grew tense. They all channeled their true qi, carefully monitoring the situation. Even Zhang Zhong Jin and Jin Zhanyi were paying close attention.

A single thought arose in their minds: was he intending to flaunt his power in front of He Yi Ming? Had Zhou Datian gone mad?

However, to everyone’s astonishment, Zhou Datian placed the Black Wood Ganoderma before He Yi Ming, cupped his fists slightly, and said, “Brother He, our Tu Fan lineage has caused many offenses in the past. I ask that Brother He overlook past grievances and show understanding.” He paused, then added, “This Black Wood Ganoderma shall serve as compensation for our offense. Please, Brother He, you must accept it.”

Zhang Zhong Jin and Jin Zhanyi’s eyes widened slightly. This outcome was absolutely beyond their expectations.

Zhou Datian, after paying a huge price to trade for the Black Wood Ganoderma, was not planning to intercept it midway.

For a moment, the way they looked at He Yi Ming shifted again. The status of this outwardly young master rose to an entirely new height in their estimation.

P.S.: This is the third update for today. There will be three more tonight. Please vote for monthly tickets, especially double monthly tickets. Thank you…