The grandest city on the western edge of the Central Plains was erected thousands of years ago. After countless repairs and expansions, it was christened Zhenjin City during the Great Shen Dynasty.
This city stood as the final bulwark for the Eastern Empire, defending the West against the vast armies of the West.
West of this city lay dozens of satellite towns, scattered across the plains between the plains and the eastern gateway. For the Western armies to pass unimpeded, they would first need to conquer the majority of these frontier settlements, removing any lingering threat to their rear.
Yet, as everyone knew, such a feat was impossible.
In this world, as long as the peak martial power comparison between the two sides remained unchanged, the likelihood of utterly annihilating the other was vanishingly small.
Nevertheless, every few decades, a colossal war was destined to erupt between East and West. The instigator could be either side, with the other usually forced into defense. Occasionally, when both nations reached their zenith of national strength, they would simultaneously launch hostilities, engaging in a fight to the death upon the Great Plain.
It was akin to a curse hanging over the two empires, one they could never fully escape.
Within Zhenjin City, the largest and most opulent mansion was not the residence of the Western Expedition Commander.
The one residing there, surprisingly, was the Deputy Commander, Yu Wuchang.
Though he held the title of Deputy Commander of the Western Expeditionary Force, his status within the entire military structure was unique; he was subject to no one’s control. Everyone knew he wore the title of Deputy Commander as a mere skin, living in luxury within the grand estate, indulging in food and drink, utterly lacking the demeanor of a general, and never participating in military affairs.
Of course, since his surname was Yu, he belonged to the Imperial Clan. Thus, speculation abounded, with most believing he was a royal relative sent to monitor the Western Expedition Commander.
However, very few knew the truth of his origins, though Wei Zongjin was among the select few. If Wei Zongjin knew, it naturally meant Jin Zhanyi also knew.
When this new strongest expert from the Lingxiao Hall arrived with He Yiming at the innermost layer of the opulent residence, Wei Zongjin and Yu Wuchang had already been waiting for a long time.
“Junior Brother Jin, why are you so late?” Wei Zongjin grumbled.
Jin Zhanyi laughed heartily. “Senior Brother, you were enjoying fine food and wine ahead of us, and we two were quite envious just watching. As soon as you finished your banquet, we came straight over.”
With that, he half-turned and bowed slightly toward Yu Wuchang. “Brother Yu, it has been decades since we last met. I trust you have been well?”
Yu Wuchang returned the courtesy, letting out a long sigh. “Brother Jin, when we first met, you had only just stepped into the Yixiantian threshold. Who would have thought that after separating for decades, your cultivation would advance by leaps and bounds, no longer falling behind Brother Wei and myself.”
Although He Yiming’s expression remained unchanged, a sharp warning sounded within his heart, and his gaze toward the man immediately carried a thread of alertness.
When He Yiming first encountered this portly man, he had vaguely sensed that the individual was far from simple, but he could never have connected him with powerhouses like Jin Zhanyi and Wei Zongjin.
Now, however, he understood the true meaning of the adage that one should not judge by appearances.
Jin Zhanyi shook his head. “Brother Yu, allow me to introduce someone to you.” He stepped aside and gestured to He Yiming beside him. “This is Brother He Yiming from the Northwest Heavenly Lake. His innate talent in the martial way is truly heaven-blessed; I, little brother, am truly far behind.”
The perpetually smiling eyes of Yu Wuchang—eyes that seemed incapable of changing—suddenly lit up. He scrutinized He Yiming in surprise, finally asking, “Is this the Brother He who joined forces with you to defeat the Qilian Twin Demons?”
When he mentioned the Qilian Twin Demons, his tone deepened slightly. He Yiming instantly understood; this man seemed to have some history or conflict with the Qilian Twin Demons. Considering his close ties with Wei Zongjin, and the Qilian Twin Demons' past penchant, much like Jin Zhanyi’s, for challenging the world, He Yiming could largely deduce the reason.
He Yiming bowed deeply to him. “Greetings, Brother Yu.”
Yu Wuchang hastily stepped forward two paces, waving his hands repeatedly. “Don’t be so polite, Brother He. You are far too kind.”
The parties sat down, Yu Wuchang acting as the host, his gaze mostly fixed upon He Yiming, seemingly pondering something.
Wei Zongjin shook his head. “Brother Yu, do not harbor doubts. I assure you, he has not yet reached… oh, the New Year has passed, he has indeed just turned twenty this year.”
Yu Wuchang’s body stiffened slightly. He gave He Yiming a deep look. “So the rumors were not exaggerated. It seems I underestimated the heroes of this world.”
Wei Zongjin gave a wry smile. “It’s not that you underestimated the world’s heroes, but rather that no one could have anticipated such an unparalleled talent emerging in the world.”
He Yiming knew they were discussing his age, but he was long accustomed to it.
Even Venerable Hao Tong marveled at it, let alone others.
Seated in the massive armchair, his hands gently stroking the frame, he maintained a silent expression. Judging solely by his posture, he embodied the steadfastness associated with the Earth element. Even those aware of the truth would likely overlook his actual age.
After appropriately expressing his awe and surprise, Yu Wuchang smoothly steered the conversation away from the topic.
He turned back. “Brother Jin, I specifically came outside the city to meet you because I have urgent matters to report. Thankfully, you are here now; had I rushed to the front-line cities, it would have been my fault.”
Jin Zhanyi looked surprised. He turned to Wei Zongjin, noticing the latter’s equally perplexed expression, which heightened his own suspicion.
“Brother Yu, what is happening at the front-line cities? Have the masters from the West already engaged in battle?” Jin Zhanyi asked, puzzled.
Yu Wuchang shook his head. “Whether they have begun fighting, I do not know, Brother Jin, but I can confirm this: the moment you appear in any front-line city, they will stop at nothing to strike you down.”
Jin Zhanyi paused for a long moment. “Why?”
“Because this war between East and West was instigated by you,” Yu Wuchang stated unhurriedly.
Jin Zhanyi let out a cold snort. “Nonsense. Every time they initiate a challenge, it is because of the sheer numbers they possess near the barrier, so they…” He abruptly stopped himself, casting a subtle glance toward He Yiming, showing a degree of caution.
He Yiming was greatly curious. He had long been intrigued by the historical fact that East and West clashed every few decades. Hearing Jin Zhanyi mention it now suggested there was indeed a secret involved.
He recalled that when they were heading toward Great Shen, upon hearing news of the Western mobilization, Jin Zhanyi had shown no worry but rather an eagerness to fight.
This seemed decidedly abnormal.
Wei Zongjin coughed lightly. “Brother Yu, why would you slander Junior Brother Jin like this?”
Yu Wuchang quickly waved his hands. “Brother Wei misunderstands. This is not what I am saying; it is what those Westerners are saying. They accuse you of invading the West and killing several Paladins. Therefore, you have been branded with the title of ‘Demon,’ and the cause of this East-West conflict is laid entirely at your feet.”
Wei Zongjin and Jin Zhanyi exchanged glances. After a moment, Wei Zongjin angrily rebuked, “Utter fabrication!”
Yu Wuchang gave a wry smile. “Whether it is fabrication or not, the fact remains: not only have they raised the bounty on you to the absolute maximum within the Assassin’s Guild, but they have also sent word to all Paladins that anyone who manages to slay you will be granted passage to enter the Holy Water Pool for one immersion.” Yu Wuchang paused, his face growing grave. “This promise is not just made to the Western experts, but to all experts under heaven.”
Wei Zongjin’s expression immediately darkened. He snorted coldly. “Have those old relics of the West gone mad? To offer such a promise—wouldn’t that jeopardize Junior Brother Jin’s opportunity this time?”
Yu Wuchang nodded slightly, then chuckled slyly. “I have been stationed here for decades and have dealt with them many times. In my view, that is indeed their intention. But they cannot be entirely blamed; they should blame Junior Brother Jin for being too talented, possessing too much potential, which has stimulated them intensely. They fear that in a few hundred years, another supreme powerhouse might rise in the East, making them utterly unreasonable.”
As he spoke, there was a hint of schadenfreude in his tone. Then, his gaze intentionally flickered toward He Yiming. “Brother He, you too must be cautious.”
He Yiming started slightly. “What do I need to be cautious about?”
Yu Wuchang adopted a serious expression. “If those old fellows in the West discover that you have also arrived here, they absolutely will not let this opportunity pass.”
Wei Zongjin scoffed lightly. “Brother Yu, rest assured. We have not spread any news regarding Brother He. The Westerners cannot possibly know Brother He’s true age.”
He Yiming subtly raised his eyebrows. He inwardly mused: since the Lingxiao Hall had not leaked the information, how did Yu Wuchang come to know? However, this was not a question he could press directly.
Jin Zhanyi waved his broad sleeve dismissively. “Thank you for the reminder, Brother Yu. However, the reason I came this time is precisely to meet all the experts under heaven. If I can encounter suitable opponents, it would be exactly what I desired.”
Yu Wuchang frowned slightly. “Brother Jin, this time, you will not only face the Western Assassin’s Guild, but also the Yellow Springs Sect and experts from various regions.”
He Yiming asked in surprise, “Brother Yu, are you saying that just by issuing one decree, that many people will serve them?”
Yu Wuchang sighed deeply. “Brother He, the price they offer is far too great. For any practitioner of the martial way, such a temptation is difficult to refuse. Moreover, although the Westerners act extremely, their credibility across all domains is excellent. Once they make a public commitment, they never retract it. This has been the case for thousands of years.”
He Yiming fell silent. Such a declaration could command recognition from the entire world; those old Western figures did possess some admirable qualities.
Jin Zhanyi waved his hand, his expression solemn. “Brother Yu, there is no need to discuss this further; I have my own plans. However, the real reason I came this time is to ask for a favor.”