That evening, the City Lord hosted a banquet for the many experts from the Lingxiao Palace. The most distinguished among them were naturally He Yiming and the other two innate powerhouses.

Although He Yiming was not a member of the Lingxiao Palace, this in no way diminished the City Lord’s hospitality.

However, it was obvious that Zhang Zhongjin had offered little deference; he merely offered superficial pleasantries before excusing himself. In contrast, Jin Zhanyi ate heartily, completely unconcerned with appearances.

From the City Lord’s introductions, He Yiming learned that these dishes had not been hastily prepared that day but had been in the making since Jin Zhanyi and his party had last left the city for the northwest.

It was precisely because of these months of preparation that the food was put to good use today, greatly satisfying Jin Zhanyi.

At the banquet, He Yiming recalled Fang Lingkai’s words. Since even the City Lord had invested so much effort to curry favor with Jin Zhanyi, it was only natural for him, as Fang Shuyue’s son, to keep an eye on the black steed. Yet, young Master Fang Lingkai could never have imagined that in the end, far from succeeding in flattering Jin Zhanyi, he had instead greatly offended him. The capriciousness of fate truly knew no bounds.

Immediately following the welcoming feast, as He Yiming and Jin Zhanyi returned to the luxurious courtyard specially prepared by the City Lord, a disciple hurried in with news: the perimeter leader of the Lingxiao Palace stationed here had urgent matters to report.

He Yiming was about to step away to maintain propriety, but Jin Zhanyi pulled him back. Both Zhang Zhongjin and Jin Zhanyi clearly did not treat him as an outsider, which greatly comforted He Yiming.

A moment later, when the messenger entered, He Yiming couldn't help but start slightly; the man was none other than Fang Shuyue, whom he had encountered earlier that day.

Though Fang Shuyue had cleaned himself up, the injury on his forehead could not be healed. While this small amount of blood would hardly affect a post-celestial expert at the tenth layer of Inner Strength, it was certainly unsightly.

Zhang Zhongjin paused briefly, then realized with sudden clarity, "Fang Shuyue, so it was you who offended Junior Brother Jin today."

As the most renowned figure within a hundred li radius for the Lingxiao Palace, Fang Shuyue had met Zhang Zhongjin several times before. However, their relationship was merely superficial; over the decades, Zhang Zhongjin always traveled this route to the deep mountains. Even after Fang Shuyue had exerted every effort, he had only managed to leave a faint impression on Zhang Zhongjin. Being recognized by name was already a great honor.

However, upon hearing Zhang Zhongjin’s question, Fang Shuyue immediately felt relieved. At least he could be certain that Jin Zhanyi had no intention of pursuing the matter.

He knew this simply because Zhang Zhongjin didn't even recall his name clearly; they clearly hadn't taken the minor incident to heart.

Fang Shuyue bowed respectfully, willingly kneeling to kowtow before the three present: "Venerable Ancestors, Senior He, my unworthy son offended you today. I will certainly mete out severe punishment to ensure he remembers this lesson deeply in the future."

Zhang Zhongjin casually waved his hand. "Let the matter rest here, no need to mention it again. You said you had urgent news to report—what is it?"

Fang Shuyue immediately composed himself, his expression solemn. "Ancestor Zhang, I received a dispatch from the Palace stating that the Western nations are stirring, intending to assassinate Ancestor Jin."

He Yiming exchanged a look with the other two. Zhang Zhongjin asked in a deep voice, "What did the dispatch say?"

Fang Shuyue secretly rejoiced; he finally had a topic that might keep him here a little longer.

After offending Jin Zhanyi, his position was undoubtedly precarious. Although he was a post-celestial expert at the tenth layer of Inner Strength peak, if everyone kicked him while he was down, he would be unable to bear the fallout. But if he could remain near Jin Zhanyi and the others tonight for an extended period, the tide would surely turn, and no one would dare target the Fang family again.

Though inwardly pleased, his expression grew increasingly grave.

"Reporting to the Ancestor, the dispatch stated that the Western nations appear to be preparing a large-scale invasion. The Paladins stationed in each country have begun to mobilize and have declared that they will use…" Here, he abruptly stopped, looking at Jin Zhanyi with palpable anxiety.

Zhang Zhongjin frowned slightly. "Just say it directly, it's fine."

Only then did Fang Shuyue whisper, "They say they will use Ancestor Jin's head to offer sacrifice to the Paladins you killed in the past."

Jin Zhanyi let out a dry laugh. "So that's it. I wondered why their assassins traveled ten thousand li to reach this place. So, this is the reason." A hint of excitement gradually appeared in his eyes, yet within this strange gleam was a force that sent a chill down He Yiming’s spine.

Zhang Zhongjin frowned deeply. "Junior Brother Jin, if the rumors are true, the Western nations will launch a massive invasion. This is hardly good news."

Jin Zhanyi chuckled darkly. "Senior Brother, let them come if they wish. Large-scale battles between our sides are not new; they erupt every few decades. This time is no different." A rare flash of madness crossed his face: "Since their Paladins are assembling, super experts will surely appear. Heh heh…"

He Yiming’s heart turned cold. Hearing Jin Zhanyi’s tone, he seemed not worried in the slightest, but rather extremely eager.

After a moment’s thought, however, he immediately understood Jin Zhanyi’s mindset. If a war between the two nations broke out, Jin Zhanyi would certainly encounter powerful opponents. Jin Zhanyi’s martial path favored breakthroughs achieved in actual combat; the more intense the fighting, the greater his chances of successfully advancing to the Venerable rank. Therefore, what was despairing for ordinary people was, for him, the most exciting prospect imaginable—war.

Zhang Zhongjin clearly understood Jin Zhanyi’s thoughts as well. He pondered for a long moment before finally saying, "Junior Brother, every great East-West war that erupts every few decades births a new Venerable on the battlefield. I hope you can be one of them this time."

Jin Zhanyi nodded heavily. "Thank you for your auspicious words, Senior Brother. I certainly will not disappoint you."

He Yiming’s heart sank slightly, and he couldn't help interjecting, "Brother Jin, does a major East-West war truly occur every few decades?"

Jin Zhanyi’s eyes shone brightly. "Precisely. At the shortest interval of thirty years, or the longest of sixty, such a round of major conflict is bound to erupt."

He Yiming pondered for a moment. "Does the war result in a decisive victor?"

"Of course, a victor is decided. But that is all." Jin Zhanyi smiled faintly. "Both the East and the West possess the strength to win this battle, but to utterly annihilate the other side is exceedingly difficult, practically impossible."

He Yiming frowned deeply. "If that is the case, why can't this battle be avoided?"

Jin Zhanyi and Zhang Zhongjin both started, exchanging a look filled with a strange, ineffable meaning.

Zhang Zhongjin cleared his throat. "Brother He, why do you wish to avoid this war?"

He Yiming said solemnly, "When war breaks out, countless common people will likely be displaced. Moreover, it causes a massive drain on national strength; this benefits neither side, does it?" He had once witnessed bandits massacre the citizens of Taicang County, and the ensuing misery haunted him. If a mere raid by bandits caused such severe consequences, how much devastation would ensue when two great nations unleash their full might in war?

Zhang Zhongjin looked at He Yiming with a strange expression, finally sighing heavily. "Brother He, some matters are not for us to decide. For us, following the natural course is the proper way."

He Yiming opened his mouth, but finally clamped it shut firmly. If he could see this truth, then countless powerful figures in the East and West throughout the ages must have seen it too. Since things had been this way for so long, there must be a necessary reason for it. It was just that, with He Yiming’s current level of insight, he couldn't grasp the underlying cause immediately.

He shook his head slightly, his gaze drifting toward the distant horizon…

Zhang Zhongjin shook his head in tandem, yet their thoughts were vastly different. Both he and Jin Zhanyi were filled with eager anticipation for the future war. In order to provide Jin Zhanyi with sufficient combat experience in this war, helping him successfully advance to the Venerable rank, the intensity of the battle and the final outcome were no longer their primary considerations. As for how many people died… This question was no longer within their scope of concern. As long as the Lingxiao Palace could gain one more powerhouse at the Venerable level, the deaths of countless ordinary people would be deemed worthwhile.

Waving his hand, Zhang Zhongjin said, "Fang Shuyue, you may leave now."

Fang Shuyue responded respectfully, once more touching his forehead to the ground, letting out a few more thuds. However, he did not leave immediately; after a moment of hesitation, he quietly spoke, "Master Ancestor, I once heard that there are currently two guests at the Lingxiao Palace who seem to have come specifically for Ancestor Jin."

Zhang Zhongjin was greatly curious. Since this was mentioned in a formal dispatch, they were likely no ordinary guests.

"Who are they? What do they want with me?" Jin Zhanyi asked coldly. After the burst of martial excitement from earlier, Jin Zhanyi quickly returned to his usual demeanor.

"Reporting to the Ancestor, there seem to be two individuals who have come to the Lingxiao Palace. It is rumored they have come here to challenge Ancestor Jin."

Jin Zhanyi and the other two were genuinely astonished this time. Since Jin Zhanyi achieved martial mastery and advanced to the Innate realm, in all the years that followed, he had only been the one issuing challenges. Experiencing the feeling of being challenged was truly a first for him in his entire life.

A strange light flashed in his eyes, and Jin Zhanyi said slowly, "No matter who those two are, I hope they do not disappoint me." His words were full of confidence, as if no matter how powerful the opponent he faced, he would crush them with overwhelming force. Of course, whoever went to the Lingxiao Palace seeking to challenge Jin Zhanyi could not possibly be a Venerable-level powerhouse. And below the Venerable level, those who could truly concern Jin Zhanyi were few and far between.

He Yiming’s heart stirred. He vaguely felt that this might be the perfect opportunity. As long as Jin Zhanyi could engage in a full-intensity battle with someone, his true strength could be objectively evaluated.

Ps: Double monthly ticket period has ended. In seven days, Baihe updated 34 chapters, totaling 120,000 words, earning the current second spot on the overall chart ^_^ Baihe kept his promise, and brothers lifted him to this position. Thank you... Tomorrow and the day after are Saturday and Sunday, so Baihe can only manage three chapters, but I will definitely complete the 400,000-word commitment for this month!