Yu Wuchang observed Jin Zhanyi’s serious expression. He, too, dropped his smile and said solemnly, “Brother Jin, simply state what you require. As long as our Imperial Family can manage it, we will certainly do our utmost.”

Jin Zhanyi rarely asked for favors. When he did, however, it was inevitably a matter beyond the ordinary person’s comprehension.

Although Yu Wuchang was inwardly puzzled—given Jin Zhanyi’s standing and potential within the High Heavens Palace, what could possibly force him to solicit help from an outsider—he recognized this as an excellent opportunity to forge a deeper connection, one he certainly wouldn't miss.

Jin Zhanyi gravely stated, “Then this junior thanks you in advance.”

Yu Wuchang was slightly startled, sensing the matter was far more significant than he initially believed. He took a deep breath. “Brother Jin, please speak.”

Jin Zhanyi did not speak directly. Instead, he abruptly turned his head and fixed his gaze silently upon Wei Zongjin.

Wei Zongjin paused, taken aback. After a long moment, he suddenly said, “Junior Brother Jin, you aren't suggesting I should leave, are you?”

Jin Zhanyi nodded once, his usual joviality gone. “I ask Senior Brother to grant my request.”

Although Wei Zongjin felt a flicker of displeasure, having cultivated his reputation for hundreds of years, he had experienced everything imaginable. Furthermore, his relationship with Jin Zhanyi was extraordinary. Thus, he merely gestured with his hand and then chuckled, mock-scolding, “You rascal, your wings have truly hardened, making even your Senior Brother feel the need to step aside.”

Despite his words, his actions were swift. With a movement, he was already outside the room. “Brother Yu, my thirst has struck. I’m heading ahead for a drink.”

At this point, Yu Wuchang’s expression had grown solemn to an unprecedented degree. He even felt a subtle apprehension stirring within him—a sensation that hadn't surfaced for nearly a century.

Jin Zhanyi’s actions clearly indicated this was entirely separate from sect affairs; this was a private matter. And seeing that he specifically retained He Yiming suggested this private affair concerned the two of them.

Though their personal strengths were comparable, considering the disparity in their ages evoked immense reflection in Yu Wuchang. Perhaps offending a Venerable Lord would be preferable to offending these two.

With a deep sigh, Yu Wuchang said earnestly, “Brother Jin, I truly hope the request you are about to make is not overly difficult. My abilities are limited; there are many things I genuinely wish to accomplish but cannot.”

Jin Zhanyi replied calmly, “Rest assured, Brother Yu. What I propose is merely a trivial effort for you.”

Yu Wuchang blinked, refusing to believe a single word of that statement. If the matter were so simple, why would Jin Zhanyi have been so grave, even going so far as to ask the High Heavens Palace’s Senior Brother Wei Zongjin to depart?

Though skeptical, he maintained his composure. “Brother Jin, please proceed.”

Jin Zhanyi stared intently at Yu Wuchang, articulating each word slowly. “I wish to borrow the Five Elements Reincarnation Secret Manual you practice, so that Brother He may examine it.”

Yu Wuchang’s complexion immediately became strained, and a faint hint of anger flickered in his eyes. Had it not been for the immense status of the two men before him, he might well have erupted in conflict right then and there.

He Yiming looked toward Jin Zhanyi in surprise. Before arriving here, Jin Zhanyi had already mentioned Yu Wuchang to him.

The Yu family of the Great Shen Eastern Dynasty was, after all, a branch that had split off from the Five Elements Sect. Thousands of years later, only a few remnants of the Five Elements Sect remained in Great Shen, the most prominent being the Qilian Mountain Grotto-Heaven and the Imperial Family of the Great Shen.

Yu Wuchang was one of the elders of the Great Shen Imperial Family, and he himself cultivated one of the most renowned secret manuals from the original Five Elements Sect: the Five Elements Reincarnation.

Although Yu Wuchang had not mastered all five elements—practicing only three, as typical of a Peak Mastery master—the Five Elements Reincarnation contained the methods for achieving both Peak Mastery and Apex Attainment across all five forces. For He Yiming, currently troubled by his inability to reach Peak Mastery, this manual was undeniably the finest treasure.

However, He Yiming had never imagined Jin Zhanyi would bring this up so directly in front of Yu Wuchang. For a Peak Mastery master, this was a profound insult. Judging by Yu Wuchang’s current expression, his feelings were clear.

Moments later, Yu Wuchang’s face regained its composure. Though his features showed little change, the previous warmth in the atmosphere had completely evaporated.

“Brother Jin, I must regretfully decline this request,” Yu Wuchang stated expressionlessly. “The Five Elements Reincarnation is one of our sect’s most treasured manuals. Unless the Venerables of the entire Imperial Family consent, no one has the right to display it to others.”

He Yiming frowned slightly; this was the answer he anticipated. Yu Wuchang’s reaction was within his expectations, but he wondered why Jin Zhanyi had acted so rashly.

Yet, Jin Zhanyi displayed no disappointment; he seemed perfectly assured. “Brother Yu, as far as I know, you have garrisoned the West for nearly a hundred years and have participated in the second East-West War.” With a slight sigh, Jin Zhanyi held up two fingers, smiling faintly. “Twice, yes.”

Yu Wuchang’s face immediately darkened, becoming even more unsettled than before.

He Yiming was filled with unexplained questions. Logically, the East-West War was a perilous place that most people avoided at all costs. Why would Yu Wuchang eagerly participate? Furthermore, Jin Zhanyi’s tone suggested he was certain there was some hidden agenda involved.

Jin Zhanyi ignored Yu Wuchang’s expression and continued smoothly, “While the opportunity for the third war is imminent, given your talent and aptitude, the possibility of achieving a breakthrough through your own efforts at Ghost Cry Ridge is infinitesimally small.”

A faint, distant look appeared in Yu Wuchang’s eyes, and strangely, the anger on his face dissipated.

“Brother Jin, since you deliberately bring this up, you must not intend to mock this old man. Do you perhaps have a means to help me achieve the Great Dao?” Yu Wuchang had calmed completely. He Yiming could easily sense that not only had his previous anger vanished, but it was now replaced by a subtle sense of longing.

Jin Zhanyi chuckled wryly. He flipped his wrist, and a jade vial appeared. The vial looked ordinary, unremarkable, but the fact that Jin Zhanyi presented it now confirmed that whatever it contained was extraordinary.

Jin Zhanyi extended his hand flatly and placed the jade vial on the table before them.

Yu Wuchang’s expression shifted rapidly. By now, he completely understood Jin Zhanyi’s intent. Yet, deciding how to weigh the options proved agonizingly difficult. He also knew that accepting this would likely make it impossible to refuse whatever came next. Though he didn't know the contents of the vial, Jin Zhanyi’s current composed demeanor assured him that he would find this temptation hard to resist.

Jin Zhanyi sighed softly. “Brother Yu, you have been an Imperial Elder for over two hundred years. This upcoming East-West War will be your final chance. If you miss it, hope for Venerable status in this lifetime will likely vanish. You must consider this carefully.”

Yu Wuchang suddenly let out a cold snort, his eyes flashing intensely as he glared at Jin Zhanyi. Just as He Yiming expected him to issue a righteous refusal, he instead made a beckoning gesture, and the jade vial before Jin Zhanyi flew directly into his hand.

He gently removed the stopper. Even from a distance, He Yiming detected a fragrance like a hundred blossoms and herbs. His expression changed slightly; he instantly knew what the vial contained.

Indeed, Yu Wuchang exclaimed in shock, “Jiahuang Pill? Impossible! Under heaven, only Venerable Fashuo can refine this elixir. Where did you obtain it?”

Jin Zhanyi wore a placid smile; the man’s agitated reaction was entirely within his expectations. “Brother Yu, since you are aware of our conflict with the Qilian Twin Devils, surely you know that Venerable Fashuo gifted ten Jiahuang Pills upon his departure?”

A trace of gloom flashed in Yu Wuchang’s eyes, tinged with faint anger and sorrow—a look so complex even He Yiming couldn't fully decipher it.

Jin Zhanyi’s smile faded, and he spoke sternly. “Brother Yu, you have served the Imperial Family faithfully for over a hundred years, yet when it mattered most, they concealed the news of the Jiahuang Pills from you. You should know what that implies.” Jin Zhanyi pointed westward. “After this East-West War, even if you obtained a Jiahuang Pill, it would likely be useless.”

Yu Wuchang let out two dry chuckles, the fat muscles on his face trembling, which made He Yiming worry that the thick flesh might actually fall off.

“Brother Jin, although I practice the true version of the Five Elements Reincarnation manual, you must also know that even a Venerable Lord cannot casually peruse the entire text. I have only managed to read the portion related to my own attributes, without touching upon the other two elemental disciplines.”

Jin Zhanyi was inwardly overjoyed. All his careful maneuvering led to this moment. Seeing his objective achieved, he couldn't contain his delight. He laughed loudly. “Brother Yu, I’ve long heard that your Fire, Earth, and Metal disciplines have reached the stage of Peak Mastery, infinitely close to Apex Attainment. If we could receive your teaching—your experience shared without reservation—this Jiahuang Pill would be worth it.”

When he uttered the phrase ‘without reservation,’ he deliberately emphasized the words, and Yu Wuchang understood the implication perfectly. He sighed deeply. “Brother Jin, rest assured. Since I have agreed, I shall hold nothing back. However, this matter is not trivial. Should even the slightest detail leak, the consequences could be dire.”

Jin Zhanyi immediately stood up, his demeanor solemn. “Brother Yu, please be at ease. Only the three of us know of this. Once we leave the Venerable’s Residence, everything will dissipate, and it will never be mentioned again. If this were to be leaked, while you would suffer, do you think your sect would let us two go? Even our own masters could not shield us then. The relentless pursuit across the ends of the earth would only cease with death—we would not seek such a fate.”

Yu Wuchang nodded slightly and shifted his gaze to He Yiming. At this juncture, if He Yiming still failed to grasp what he needed to do, he would be truly dense.

Following Jin Zhanyi’s lead, He Yiming raised his hand to swear a solemn oath, his heart filled simultaneously with eager anticipation.