This was the heartland of Dashen, the very core of the Eastern Continent, home to a colossal city capable of sheltering a million souls. This was the only city upon the Eastern Continent that knew no enclosing walls. Yet, for millennia, this city had never suffered a single catastrophe, much like the Heaven-Piercing Pagoda at its absolute center, which seemed poised to stand forever.

On the horizon, a dark silhouette hurtled toward them, moving with lightning speed; it was as if the figure had just materialized from the distant reaches of sight, yet in the blink of an eye, it was close enough for clear observation.

The residents here were, to varying degrees, connected by blood or bond to the disciples of the Lingxiao Palace across generations, meaning their eyesight was naturally far superior to that of common folk. Upon seeing the speed of this approaching figure, every observer instantly recognized him as a supreme expert. For those living under the protection of the Lingxiao Palace, their reverence for true power surpassed that found in any other place. Thus, upon sighting the shadow racing from afar, every person who noticed it wore expressions of admiration and respect. After all, only an elite powerhouse of the sect—or at the very least, a cherished intimate friend of such a figure—could approach in such a manner toward the Lingxiao Palace. They never entertained the thought that the arrival could be an enemy of their sect; for nearly a thousand years, no one had dared to provoke them here.

Suddenly, from the great tower at the city’s center, two more figures shot forth. Their forms cut long arcs across the mid-air before they landed simultaneously, speeding toward the approaching silhouette to intercept it. A soft gasp suddenly echoed: “Venerable Sir…” Instantly, a wave of ** rippled through the crowd in that direction, every eye alight with fierce excitement. Even for them, moments of encountering a powerhouse of this caliber were rare. ※※※※ The figure approaching from the distance was He Yiming. At this moment, he wore a bamboo hat that obscured his face as he hastened toward the Lingxiao Palace. Though his pace was swift, as he neared the palace grounds, he deliberately slowed down and released the aura he had been suppressing. He had indeed succeeded in ascending to the Venerable rank, but before the Lingxiao Palace, unless he had utterly lost his mind, he would never act rashly. As expected, the moment he released his aura, two figures rapidly shot down from the Heaven-Piercing Pagoda. Judging by the speed of the pair and the potent auras swirling around them, He Yiming knew they must both be Venerables. Before the figures even reached him, He Yiming couldn't help but laugh aloud. He recognized both of them; they were the duty-bound Venerables of the Lingxiao Palace over the last five years: Gao Weiliang and Du Wenbin.

A long laugh boomed from Gao Weiliang: “Which esteemed friend comes to the Lingxiao Palace? Forgive this old man for not venturing out further to greet you.” Although they were Venerables in the foremost sect of the Eastern Dashen, the moment they sensed He Yiming’s aura from afar, they understood that the newcomer was also an expert of the same tier. Among Venerables, regardless of their origin, they would naturally receive appropriate respect, even within the Lingxiao Palace.

He Yiming called out clearly, “This junior greets Venerable Gao and Venerable Du.” With a flash, the two Venerables stood before He Yiming, a flicker of surprise in their eyes. However, from the junior’s address, they quickly deduced that this must be a newly promoted Venerable who had met them before and shared some prior connection. Yet, as they exchanged a glance, they rapidly filtered through all the names of the younger generation in their minds, finding nothing.

Gao Weiliang offered a slightly awkward chuckle, “Esteemed guest is too polite. Since we are both Venerables, let us henceforth interact as equals.” Du Wenbin nodded slightly. “Brother Gao speaks truly. Since you have arrived at the Lingxiao Palace, Brother, perhaps you can remove your bamboo hat.”

He Yiming did not refuse, reaching up to gently lift the hat away. Gao Weiliang and Du Wenbin’s eyes widened simultaneously, their gazes reflecting an expression bordering on the utterly bizarre. “You… are Nephew He Yiming… No, Brother He?” Gao Weiliang asked abruptly.

He Yiming inclined his head slightly toward them in a formal bow, “Indeed, it is I, He. I greet you both, respected Brothers.” Having gained experience in interacting with others after advancing to the Innate realm, He Yiming calmly accepted their suggestion. After all, in this world, strength was the ultimate arbiter; since He Yiming’s power had reached this level, he possessed the corresponding right.

Du Wenbin’s lips trembled slightly. “Brother He, did you achieve the Venerable rank at Ghost Cry Ridge?” He Yiming’s journey to Ghost Cry Ridge with Jin Zhanyi and others was no secret within the Lingxiao Palace, a fact they knew clearly. But precisely because of this, their current reaction was one of sheer disbelief. Before departing, He Yiming was merely a master who had condensed the Three Flowers, not yet having formed the Tripod foundation. To have gone to Ghost Cry Ridge and emerged as a Venerable was simply astonishing.

He Yiming smiled faintly, “That is correct. This junior achieved the Venerable breakthrough at Ghost Cry Ridge.” Gao Weiliang suddenly counted on his fingers, and his expression became extraordinarily complex. Yet, after a long moment of hesitation, he ultimately refrained from asking the rude question. Exchanging a look with Du Wenbin, they both perceived the trace of shock in the other’s eyes, realizing that their companion held the exact same astonishing thought.

“My two sirs, has Brother Jin returned?” He Yiming ignored their expressions and inquired directly. Gao Weiliang forcefully suppressed the shock welling up inside him, forcing a casual tone. “Nephew Jin has returned. Although he successfully Fog-Formed his Divine Weapon, he refused to enter seclusion to truly refine it, insisting instead on waiting for your return.”

A sharp glint flashed in He Yiming’s eyes; he felt deeply moved. After a moment of hesitation, he asked again, “Then what of Brother Zhang Zhongping?” Gao Weiliang’s expression turned serious. “Brother He, we owe you a great debt of gratitude for your timely aid this time. Without it, Nephew Zhang would surely have faced grave peril.” He Yiming shook his head slightly. “It was merely a coincidence; I just lent a hand where it was convenient.”

Gao Weiliang sighed softly. “Although the Yin Fiend energy on Nephew Zhang has been mostly expelled, a residual portion remains lodged in vital areas, difficult to clear. His life is saved, but…” He trailed off, shaking his head, saying no more. He Yiming naturally understood that Zhang Zhongping’s current condition could not be good. A thought flashed through his mind, and He Yiming requested, “My two sirs, please grant this junior leave to see Brother Jin.”

The two Venerables naturally raised no objection. The three proceeded side-by-side toward the Lingxiao Palace. During this journey, He Yiming felt a surge of emotion. The first time he had arrived at the Lingxiao Palace and met these Venerables, he had been utterly respectful, his heart filled with awe. But on his second visit, he now possessed the standing to walk shoulder-to-shoulder with them—surely the marvels of life were endless.

At their combined speed, the trio quickly arrived at Jin Zhanyi’s courtyard. He Yiming’s ears twitched slightly, and he immediately recognized a familiar voice emanating from within. He let out a hearty laugh, “Brother Jin, your little brother is back!” Almost the very instant his voice sounded, the courtyard door was thrown open.

Jin Zhanyi strode out, spreading his arms wide. He embraced He Yiming in a powerful hug, laughing loudly, “You rascal, you’re finally back! I knew Ghost Cry Ridge couldn’t hold you!” He Yiming chuckled, absorbing the sincerity of the gesture. From those words, He Yiming detected the deep care and worry Jin Zhanyi held for him. In that moment, his only thought was that this brotherhood was truly worth having.

Gao Weiliang cleared his throat lightly. “Nephew Jin, mind your manners.” Only then did Jin Zhanyi clearly see that two Martial Uncles were accompanying He Yiming behind him. He looked puzzled—when had this kid’s status become so elevated?

He Yiming smiled faintly. “Brother Jin, you have Fog-Formed your Divine Weapon; when can you fully refine it?” Jin Zhanyi stood tall, speaking with proud confidence. “At most a year, and I will have Fog-Formed the Dragon Spear. “ He paused. “If the Dragon Spear wasn’t such a high-grade armament—a divine weapon second only to a facsimile artifact—nine or ten months might have sufficed.”

After hearing their exchange, Gao Weiliang’s lips moved, but he ultimately said nothing more. Though He Yiming was now a Venerable, Jin Zhanyi had one foot already on the threshold of the Venerable realm. Since he needed only a year to ascend, it was perfectly normal for the two of them to continue treating each other as peers. Exchanging another glance, Gao Weiliang smiled. “You two take your time chatting. Brother He, we will take our leave now.”

He Yiming turned, bowing deeply just as he always had, “I bid you farewell, sirs.” Seeing his respectful demeanor, the two from Gao Weiliang inwardly praised him, offering polite farewells before turning to depart. When He Yiming turned back, he immediately saw Jin Zhanyi wearing a thoroughly perplexed expression.

He watched the retreating backs of the two Venerables. “What’s with Martial Uncle Gao and the others? Why are they being so polite to you?” He Yiming stammered a few times. “Brother Jin, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me.”

He Yiming puffed out his chest, deliberately protruding his belly slightly. “Your friend He has successfully advanced to the Venerable realm!” Jin Zhanyi burst into laughter and gave his stomach a solid punch. “Stop joking, you just formed the Tripod foundation; how could you possibly be a Venerable?”

He Yiming sullenly drew in his stomach, trying hard to articulate, “I really did become a Venerable.” Jin Zhanyi’s smile didn't fade as he silently probed the aura surrounding He Yiming. A moment later, his face hardened with shock. “Your aura…” His eyes snapped open wide. “Brother He, you have successfully Fog-Formed your Divine Weapon?”

He Yiming shook his head. “Not a Fog-Formed Divine Weapon.” He raised his hand, and the next instant, a swirl of mist appeared in his palm. Under Jin Zhanyi’s utterly stunned gaze, the mist instantly transformed into the Five Elements Ring. Under the sunlight, the Five Elements Ring shimmered, emanating an ethereal, radiant glow.