The challenge from the Qilian Twin Demons was different from the battle between them.

The battle between those two old devils, whose lifespan was nearing its end, and Jin Zhanyi was their last chance to advance to the Venerable rank. Coupled with Jin Zhanyi's attitude toward combat, it could be said that the fight between them was absolutely a genuine battle of life and death.

In this battle, it would not be surprising, even reasonable, if someone died on the spot.

If He Yiming had already condensed the Flower of Gold and successfully achieved the Apex Stance, but had not yet achieved the Summit Convergence before the twenty-year agreement arrived, he would have accepted Jin Zhanyi’s terms without hesitation.

Because at that point, he would be cornered; without reaching the Three Flowers Converge at the Summit to achieve the Venerable rank, he would be unable to preserve his life when entering the deep mountain Totem tribe.

Given that reality, a life-and-death struggle against an expert of the same level would become his last, indispensable opportunity. To break through the limit at the final moment and reach the Venerable realm, how could he succeed without staking his life?

However, with the twenty-year agreement still far off, He Yiming simply did not want to take the risk. Therefore, he rejected Jin Zhanyi's invitation without a second thought.

With a light sigh, Jin Zhanyi did not press the issue. He merely said, "Brother He, the Gold Elemental technique you just displayed—is it the Thirty-Six Styles of Mountain Splitting?"

He Yiming’s expression immediately changed, a flicker of surprise rising in his eyes.

He had displayed the Thirty-Six Styles of Mountain Splitting quite a few times, but Jin Zhanyi was undoubtedly the first person to instantly recognize its origin.

Several thoughts flashed through his mind, and He Yiming said in a deep voice, "Indeed, it is precisely this Gold Elemental battle technique."

"The Thirty-Six Styles of Mountain Splitting is truly a premier Gold Elemental technique in the world. It encompasses more than just combat techniques. If one cultivates this technique without interruption, one can even dispense with a dedicated Gold Elemental True Qi cultivation method," Jin Zhanyi spoke at length. "Because this is a special technique that merges True Qi circulation with martial movements, its power is considered among the top secret manuals, even within our Lingxiao Treasure Palace."

He Yiming's heart leaped several times. Although he had vaguely sensed while cultivating this technique that it was by no means simple, he never expected Jin Zhanyi's assessment of it to be so high.

"Brother He, I see you haven't managed to cultivate past the Twenty-Fourth Style yet, have you?"

He Yiming subconsciously nodded. "Correct. I have only managed to cultivate up to the Twenty-Third Style."

"Twenty-Three Styles..." Jin Zhanyi murmured a few times before finally sighing, "Brother He, to my knowledge, if you can successfully execute the Twenty-Fourth Style, you should be able to successfully condense the Flower of Gold."

Brilliant light instantly burst from He Yiming's eyes, and his heart was filled with ecstatic joy.

In fact, he had a similar feeling—that just one more step would allow him to condense the Flower of Gold. This sensation had been particularly strong after successfully executing the Twenty-Third Style that night. But only upon confirmation from Jin Zhanyi did he become truly certain.

"Alas, what a pity..." Jin Zhanyi suddenly shook his head, looking regretful.

He Yiming was greatly puzzled and asked, "Brother Jin, what is such a pity?"

Jin Zhanyi smiled enigmatically. "If my guess is correct, the manual you possess is not the complete set, but is missing the final three styles."

He Yiming’s heart tightened; this time, he was genuinely moved.

Jin Zhanyi seemed not to notice He Yiming's expression, speaking instead to himself, "These final three styles are the true essence of the entire manual. It is said that if someone can successfully comprehend the first style, they can achieve great martial success. If they can comprehend all three styles, they can advance to the legendary Supreme Divine Path."

He Yiming’s throat moved up and down for a moment. At this point, to say his heart was unmoved would mean he wasn't a martial artist...

"Brother Jin, are those incomplete three styles in your sect?" He Yiming asked tentatively.

Jin Zhanyi made no attempt to hide it. "Indeed. The original manuscript of the Thirty-Six Styles of Mountain Splitting is indeed in the Martial Repository of our Lingxiao Treasure Palace."

He Yiming’s heart surged, but he knew that since this manual was so important, it must be an extraordinary item. Even asking to borrow it would likely not be easy.

Similarly, recalling Jin Zhanyi's suggestion from moments before, He Yiming vaguely sensed his intentions.

Seeing He Yiming lost in thought, Jin Zhanyi smiled confidently. "Brother He, in this world, there are truly no impenetrable walls. The Thirty-Six Styles of Mountain Splitting has been the world's top Gold Elemental technique for thousands of years. However, apart from the original, all other extant fragmented versions record at most thirty-three styles. As for those final three styles, no one has ever been able to replicate them besides the original."

He Yiming asked in surprise, "Why is that?"

Jin Zhanyi’s face became profoundly solemn. "Because all techniques that reach the state of Nine-Nine Return to One can only be understood implicitly, not transmitted through words. The Thirty-Six Styles of Mountain Splitting is an ancient text with no written explanations. Those wishing to view this book must rely on their own comprehension; whatever they can grasp is all they get, nothing can be forced." He paused, his voice gradually taking on a tone of admiration. "Thousands of years ago, this manual was obtained by the Founding Ancestor of our sect. He exhausted his heart and soul to rewrite the first thirty-three styles in a manner accessible to the common world. Although its artistic conception is slightly inferior to the original, it provided countless cultivators of the Gold Element an excellent opportunity and possibility to study a top-tier Gold Elemental secret manual."

Jin Zhanyi glanced meaningfully at He Yiming as he finished speaking. "Those final three styles are exquisitely profound, describing the ultimate principles of heaven and earth—things that human language cannot convey. Thus, the Ancestor ultimately had to abandon his wish to rewrite them. Consequently, the manual ended up with handwritten copies of thirty-six styles, missing three."

He Yiming listened as if entranced. He had possessed the Thirty-Six Styles of Mountain Splitting for so long, and only now did he learn the true origins of this manual.

Taking a deep breath, calming the surging thoughts in his mind, He Yiming asked, "Brother Jin, are those final three styles in the manual a set of illustrations?"

"Indeed, the final three styles are all illustrations, but I have never seen them with my own eyes," Jin Zhanyi admitted without reservation. "The content contained within those three illustrations is absolutely beyond my current comprehension. Since that is the case, why should I invite unnecessary trouble?"

He Yiming nodded, greatly agreeing with Jin Zhanyi's approach. Yet, even knowing this, he still felt an impulse to see them, regardless of the cost.

Jin Zhanyi suddenly chuckled. "Brother He, what is circulated in the outside world is merely the insights gained by our Lingxiao Treasure Palace Ancestor. But compared to the original text, there are still some subtle differences."

He Yiming was extremely curious. "How could our Ancestor, such a stunningly talented figure, have errors in the secret manual derived from him?"

Given that old gentleman's status, if he truly lacked confidence, he certainly wouldn't have made this manual public. For a sect's Founding Ancestor, doing something that undermined his own reputation was something he would never do.

Jin Zhanyi shook his head slightly. "The Ancestor’s transcription is certainly not wrong, but Brother He should understand that different people cultivating the same manual can end up with vastly different results. The Thirty-Six Styles of Mountain Splitting was originally composed entirely of illustrations, but the Ancestor forcefully summarized a commentary manual combining text and illustrations. While cultivating according to it will certainly not be wrong, for cultivators like you and me, viewing the original is still more appropriate."

He Yiming nodded slightly; he now felt an unprecedented yearning for the original text.

The original Thirty-Six Styles of Mountain Splitting, composed entirely of illustrations, entirely different from the manual in his hand.

It was better not to know about this matter, but now that he did, even he developed an uncontrollable desire to take a look.

This wish was so intense that it brought forth thoughts of sacrificing everything.

He Yiming desperately tried to suppress this notion, but he quickly realized it was futile.

For him, the Thirty-Six Styles of Mountain Splitting held a critically important position. It was not only the key to condensing the Flower of Gold but, more importantly, it was the first Innate manual he had ever encountered.

In his growth over these years, He Yiming had repeatedly met formidable enemies, and this battle technique had been one of his greatest reliance.

Both the Two-Headed Spirit Beast and She Ru had died under this technique.

Therefore, when He Yiming heard news about this technique, the intensity of his craving can be imagined.

With a long sigh, He Yiming looked up at the faintly smiling Jin Zhanyi.

Even though he knew this was a lure cast by the other party, he had no choice but to take the bait.

"Brother Jin, the Qilian Twin Demons dare to challenge you—truly audacious."

"Their courage is indeed great, but they possess the qualification for it."

"I hear they have already reached the Apex Stance; I fear I am no match for them."

"Brother He is truly being too modest. Brother He has mastered the True Meaning of Wind, capable of shaking off even his opponent's aura at will, coupled with the Earth Burrowing Technique. Regardless of victory, at least self-preservation is guaranteed."

He Yiming gritted his teeth, his face contorted with determination. "Brother Jin, since that is the case, I have a presumptuous request."

Jin Zhanyi was beaming, smiling broadly. "Brother He, we are brothers. Just state whatever you need."

"I am unworthy, but I wish to join forces with Brother Jin to meet the Qilian Twin Demons. I ask Brother Jin to grant my request."

"It is but a small matter; how could I refuse you?" Jin Zhanyi nodded in satisfaction, then shifted the conversation. "Brother He, I possess the authority to enter and exit the Lingxiao Treasure Palace Martial Repository at any time. If you are interested in the collected texts within the repository, why don't we enter together and explore?"

He Yiming gazed at him silently for a long moment, finally letting out a long breath. "I couldn't ask for anything more..."