A refreshing breeze swept across the land, as if everything had finally exhaled; the trees swayed gently. The approaching evening coolness was welcome; the cicadas’ song was no longer the frantic, urgent drone of midday but possessed a leisurely, almost swaying cadence.

Half a month after leaving the main peak of Tianchi, He Yiming and his party finally returned to Taicang County.

Their return caused an uproar once more, especially the contingent accompanying them from the Eastern Great Shen Empire, like Jin Zhanyi, who drew intense scrutiny.

By now, He Family Manor had established a certain order, and truly few possessed the necessary standing and authority to warrant an audience with He Yiming and his peers.

Yet, several days later, the Manor began hosting lavish banquets, inviting every prominent figure in Taicang County to welcome Zhang Zhongjin and Jin Zhanyi of the Eastern Great Shen Empire with appropriate ceremony.

Although Jin Zhanyi and Zhang Zhongjin found He Yiming’s sudden warmth baffling, both felt compelled by courtesy to show face at this so-called welcoming feast.

Of course, they merely sat alongside Yu Jinglei, the Medicine Daoist, and He Yiming. The three conversed cheerfully, entirely absorbed in their own company, utterly dismissing the local dignitaries of Taicang County.

But the more indifferent they were, the more obsequious everyone else became, revealing to He Yiming the true nature of these social climbers.

However, apart from him, the other few Xiantian experts seemed completely unfazed, showing no surprise, causing He Yiming to sigh inwardly; the gap in age truly reflected the gap in experience. Though his martial cultivation had reached a sublime level, in matters of worldly wisdom, he was clearly inferior to these seasoned individuals.

He Family Manor, after several expansions, was unrecognizable from its former self; the main hall was so vast that accommodating a hundred tables would be a casual affair.

Continually, voices announced from outside the hall, stating that only the most important guests were permitted entry.

The guests of the highest stature naturally arrived last, as was the established custom throughout the Tianluo Kingdom.

The Xu and Cheng families, once considered equals of the He Family Manor, arrived simultaneously, as if by unspoken agreement. He Yiming and his group remained seated, serenely observing, but He Quanming dared not neglect his duty and personally went out to greet them.

The patriarchs of both the Cheng and Xu families had come themselves, with all the principal members of their clans in tow.

Compared to just a few years ago, the He family had undergone a seismic transformation. The former balance of power in Taicang County, once a tripod, had long since dissolved into a single dominant force. The Cheng family, being related by marriage to the Hes, naturally rose along with them, though the Xu family’s prestige lagged slightly behind.

Fortunately, Patriarch Xu Yinjie’s cultivation—peak Inner Strength Layer Ten—was still sufficient to deter minor provocations in a small place like Taicang County, so the Xu Family Fortress’s status hadn't completely waned.

He Quanming ushered the two families into the hall with a cheerful demeanor. They were already aware that five Xiantian experts occupied the main seats, so upon entering, every member was exceedingly careful and respectful.

After bowing to the five Xiantian experts at the head table, the members of both families felt an indescribable wave of emotion well up within them.

Following the emergence of the prodigious genius He Yiming, the He Family Manor was indeed extraordinary; the Xiantian experts, once rarely seen and seemingly aloof, were now appearing one after another.

After the formalities, everyone took their seats according to rank.

Suddenly, Yu Jinglei, seated at the head table, stood up.

He had visited the He Family Manor several times, and everyone understood his status and prestige; he was undeniably the foremost figure of the Hengshan lineage. Thus, when he rose, all eyes immediately turned to him. The hall, already quiet, fell into absolute silence.

He Quanming quickly bowed low, "Elder Yu, what are your commands?"

"Quanming, please sit down," Yu Jinglei said kindly, a faint smile on his face.

Though He Quanming was his junior and his cultivation level was beneath Yu Jinglei’s notice, he was still He Yiming’s father. Yu Jinglei certainly wouldn't put on a stern face.

He Quanming sat down nervously. All eyes in the hall shifted to the head table, and seeing looks of surprise even on He Yiming’s face, they realized Yu Jinglei’s action was merely a whim of his own making.

Yu Jinglei left his seat and walked toward a side table.

At this table sat the guests from the Xu family. The crowd then understood that he was directing his attention toward them.

Xu Yinjie and the others quickly stood up. They bowed respectfully, but secretly they were in distress, wondering how they had offended this venerable elder to the point where he would disregard propriety and personally cause trouble during a banquet.

The He family members exchanged confused glances; He Quanming repeatedly signaled He Yiming with his eyes.

Given Yu Jinglei’s standing, no one would object even if he were to slaughter everyone present, but for such an incident to occur during the He Family Manor’s grand banquet would inflict massive damage upon the Manor’s reputation.

He Yiming slightly shook his head, making a calming gesture. He Quanming could only offer a wry smile in response.

Yu Jinglei’s gaze settled on Xu Xiangqian, and he suddenly asked, "Who are you?"

Xu Xiangqian hastily replied, "This junior is Xu Xiangqian, paying respects to the esteemed elder."

In the entire hall, though no one dared speak, glances were exchanged as they wondered why Yu Jinglei would single out Xu Xiangqian for questioning.

Yu Jinglei nodded slightly, as if appraising a rare treasure, which made Xu Xiangqian feel an unsettling prickle of unease.

"The cultivation method you practice, is it Fire-elemental?"

"Yes."

"Show me. Perform it once for this old man to observe." Yu Jinglei commanded casually.

Although Xu Xiangqian was utterly bewildered, he realized at that moment that the elder was not intentionally looking for a fight, and his anxiety immediately subsided.

He stepped away from his seat, bowed deeply, and said, "I humbly request the elder's guidance."

With that, he moved outside the main seating area and began demonstrating the Blazing Fire Form in front of everyone.

Despite his strength being negligible in the eyes of a Xiantian expert, to everyone else in the hall, he was already an enviably high-level master.

After completing the set of movements, he collected his breath and faced Yu Jinglei, respectfully stating, "I await the elder's critique."

A smile touched Yu Jinglei’s lips. Upon seeing this smile, everyone felt a unanimous conclusion: Yu Jinglei was satisfied—very satisfied, extremely satisfied...

"Elder He, Brother Zhang, Brother Jin, what do you make of this youth’s talent?" Yu Jinglei asked with a benevolent grin.

He Yiming immediately concurred, "Indeed, Uncle Xu displays exceptional talent in Fire-elemental techniques. With proper guidance, reaching the Xiantian realm in the future would not be surprising. Brother Zhang, Brother Jin, what are your thoughts?"

Zhang Zhongjin and Jin Zhanyi exchanged glances, both nodding with smiles, seemingly in complete agreement with He Yiming’s assessment.

But inwardly, they were extremely dubious.

This person’s talent was merely adequate; to call it extraordinary, even for their level of discernment, was a serious stretch.

As for advancing to the Xiantian realm, that was pure self-deception.

A single thought crossed both their minds: Had Yu Jinglei and He Yiming both gone blind?

Though the Medicine Daoist remained outwardly composed, he, too, was inexplicably puzzled. He blinked a few times, studying Xu Xiangqian intently, yet he couldn't discern any exceptional talent worthy of such high praise.

However, regardless of their internal doubts, in such a setting, all three chose tacit agreement.

To contradict him now would be to publicly shame both He Yiming and Yu Jinglei; no fool would risk that.

At this point, a murmur finally swept through the hall. They now understood the purpose behind Yu Jinglei’s actions. Countless gazes filled with jealousy and envy fell upon Xu Xiangqian.

The members of the Xu family were overjoyed, especially Xu Xiangqian, whose mind felt utterly muddled. Given his status and age, hearing He Yiming’s words left him somewhat dazed. In his mind, only four words resonated: Xiantian Realm.

Xu Yinjie finally snapped back to reality. Seeing Yu Jinglei gazing at Xu Xiangqian with a kindly, affectionate smile, he immediately shouted, "Xiangqian, quickly apprentice yourself!"

His voice was slightly hoarse from intense nervousness, but in that moment, no one found it strange. Had a member of their own family been favored by Yu Jinglei, their excitement and bewilderment would likely have been far greater.

Xu Xiangqian finally awoke as if from a dream, stepped forward a few paces, and knelt before Yu Jinglei, saying, "I humbly request the elder to accept this junior as his disciple."

Yu Jinglei waited until he completed the full ritual of three bows and nine kowtows before saying, "You may apprentice yourself to me, but this old man has one condition."

Xu Xiangqian forced down the surging emotion within him. "I ask my Master to instruct me."

He had firmly claimed this identity, resolving that no matter how harsh the conditions Yu Jinglei set, he would accept them without hesitation.

"I require you to follow me into the mountains. Cultivate with all your might, and you are forbidden to descend until you reach the Xiantian realm."

Xu Xiangqian blinked twice, almost unable to believe that such a dream-come-true condition was being offered. He took a deep breath and declared, "This disciple obeys the Master’s command and willingly follows the elder into the mountains."

Only then did Yu Jinglei burst into hearty laughter. With a flick of his wrist, a substantial force lifted Xu Xiangqian to his feet.

He Yiming announced loudly, "Congratulations to Elder Yu for taking on such an excellent disciple. Today’s feast is a welcoming banquet, but it is also an apprenticeship celebration!"

Zhang Zhongjin and the others offered congratulations repeatedly, though their glances toward Xu Xiangqian carried a hint of peculiarity; such a prized disciple was truly a rarity.

However, being experienced individuals, even if they sensed something amiss, none chose to expose the potential subterfuge directly.

After the bustle subsided, the guests gradually departed. Everyone who witnessed the events understood that with Xu Xiangqian joining Hengshan, the status of the Xu Family Fortress in Taicang County had also become unshakeable.

Ps: Typing, typing furiously. White Crane is delivering five chapters again today, marking the fifth consecutive day. As the final window for double monthly votes rapidly approaches, I implore all brothers and sisters who still hold monthly tickets to cast your precious guaranteed votes now. White Crane desperately needs monthly votes. Thank you...