"No need for formalities, Elder He," Di Shitian said languidly, a faint, amused smile playing on his lips, clearly finding’s words highly entertaining.

’s body shuddered. If anyone else had called him 'Elder He,' he could have accepted it gracefully, but hearing those words from the Tianchi Sect Master, , made him profoundly uncomfortable all over.

Although ’s appearance was that of a man barely in his twenties, not much older than , once his true identity was known, no one dared to address him with the designation 'elder.' Even though understood that only added the title out of respect for , and without any malicious intent, it still sent a shiver down his spine.

"Elder He, your grandson Yiming is already the Grand Elder of our sect. He has the standing to call anyone in the world a brother, so you needn't worry," the Divine Calculator said with a knowing smile.

This old man possessed a keen understanding; he immediately grasped ’s unease and spoke up to clarify.

opened his mouth. Though apprehension churned in his heart, since both of these powerful figures had spoken, he no longer dared to defy them.

Despite the fact that he dared to speak casually in front of —purely because was his own grandson—beyond that relationship, he would treat even someone like with the utmost courtesy, never daring to slight him, let alone the Tianchi Sect Master.

"Brother He, congratulations," suddenly declared.

paused briefly, then smiled, "Today is the first day of the Lunar New Year, a fresh start to the new year. Let us all rejoice together!"

laughed heartily several times, his laughter utterly unrestrained, suggesting a mind as bright and cheerful as his demeanor.

"Brother He, I have journeyed from Tianchi specifically to offer my felicitations, and not just for the New Year's Day."

was momentarily stunned, genuinely bewildered this time. He glanced toward the Divine Calculator, who wore a grin so bright, he looked like a cunning old fox who had just devoured a plump rooster.

No matter how hard racked his brain, he couldn't fathom what event concerning him had caused such delight. His heart gave a sudden jolt, and his expression shifted subtly. A sudden thought struck him: could they already know about his success in cultivating the power of Heaven and Earth?

Yet, every time practiced, he rode his white horse far away from this place, venturing thousands of miles into the desolate desert to perform his exercises, never trying any moves here. If even that could be divined by the Divine Calculator, then would have nothing to say.

shook his head slightly. "Brother He, I won't keep you in suspense." He reached out and gently clapped his hands, and a figure walked in from beyond the city gates.

This person was an old acquaintance: Venerable , the one specially tasked with receiving external guests within the Tianchi lineage. In his hands, he carried a rectangular object wrapped in cloth. Although its contents were unknown, judging by his beaming, happy smile, it certainly wasn't anything sinister.

"Brother He, this is a gift from us at Tianchi. We wonder if you will like it," said with a smile.

The eyes of and the others fixed upon the cloth-wrapped object. Only then did they realize that Lord himself had come here personally just to deliver a gift. This level of honor, since the founding of the Tianchi lineage, was likely a first—like a young bride's first ride to her husband's home.

’s gaze swept over the object, but regrettably, he lacked the special ability of X-ray vision, so he couldn't discern what the wrapped item was. However, given how highly regarded it and delivered it in person, even describing it as priceless wouldn't be an exaggeration.

Seeming to perceive ’s confusion, gave a slight nod.

The Divine Calculator stepped forward, taking one end of the rectangular object with , while walked up slowly. He reached out and gently pulled back the cloth covering the item.

Every eye focused on the object in that single instant.

As the cloth was halfway peeled back, everyone clearly saw what it was: a plaque. The entire plaque was exquisitely crafted from the finest Zitan wood, its edges carved with vividly lifelike, beautiful patterns, showcasing the craftsmanship to all present.

Suspicion flared in everyone’s minds: could Lord have traveled personally to the He Family Manor for the sake of a mere small plaque? This seemed utterly unbelievable.

But when the cloth finally dropped completely, revealing the characters inscribed upon it, everyone who saw those characters was utterly dumbfounded.

What truly shocked them at that moment wasn't the plaque itself, but the four large characters written upon it.

Four characters that, in their minds, should absolutely never appear in this place.

“” (Number One Under Heaven)

On the plaque were these four majestic, golden characters.

In addition, in an inconspicuous spot on the lower right side of the plaque, were the smaller characters signifying "The Northwest Tianchi Lineage." However, these smaller words seemed utterly insignificant in the presence of the four bold characters proclaiming "Number One Under Heaven."

If some people had been taking sharp, shallow breaths earlier, now there was absolute silence; not even the sound of breathing could be heard. Everyone unconsciously held their breath, afraid that even a slightly louder exhalation would shatter the stillness that felt so thick it was almost dizzying.

let out a wry smile. The moment he saw those four words, he understood. must have already contacted the two Ninth Heaven experts from Dongfang Dashen and learned of his success in merging the powers of Light and Darkness into one. Naturally, the news of him slaying the two great Western experts could not have been hidden from him either, which was why he commissioned this plaque.

Gazing at the "Number One Under Heaven" characters, rendered with powerful, vigorous strokes, ’s heart suddenly swelled with intense emotion. His previously calm, water-like state of mind churned with endless ripples, as if struck by a massive stone.

Number One Under Heaven!

What an incomparably glorious title! Since the day embarked on the path of martial cultivation, he had never imagined he would one day receive such a plaque. This wasn't a title he claimed for himself through bragging; it was the designation of "Number One Under Heaven" personally delivered by the foremost sect of the Northwest, one of the peak masters of the Human Dao Ninth Heaven—.

This signified that, at the very least, in the heart of this supreme expert, ’s martial cultivation was indeed unrivaled in the current age.

dropped his smile and said seriously, "Brother He, what do you think of this gift?"

inhaled deeply, doing his best to suppress the surging emotion within him. He sighed faintly, "Brother Di, this gift is truly too precious. I fear I cannot bear such an honor."

laughed lightly. "If even you are unfit to bear that title, then who else in this world could possibly deserve it?"

The Divine Calculator also stepped forward, speaking solemnly, "Elder He, you are now the Grand Elder of the Tianchi lineage, reigning supreme over the world without peer. This is the most glorious moment in the several thousand years since our Tianchi lineage was founded." He turned and pointed toward the high city walls, "I suggest you hang this plaque right atop the city ramparts, where everyone who comes to the He Family Manor can see it at first glance."

’s body trembled slightly, his eyes fixed intently on the plaque, as if trying to burn the characters into his very soul. Although his heart was already in full agreement, the old man’s rationality had not entirely deserted him.

Seeing lost in thought, and fearing he might rashly accept, quickly interjected, "Sect Master, Divine Calculator, this matter absolutely cannot be done!" He pointed toward , "Yiming is only twenty-four years old. His cultivation, though excellent, is still worlds away from being 'Number One Under Heaven.' If this plaque is hung here, our He Family will never know peace again."

The Divine Calculator let out a surprised chuckle. "Elder He, did you not inform your ancestor of the results of your trip to the West?"

spread his hands and replied with a bitter smile, "A momentary oversight, I forgot."

Even with the Divine Calculator's composure, he couldn't help but let out a long breath, shaking his head. "Very well, allow this old man to clarify." He bowed slightly to . "Elder Brother He, your grandson broke past his limits on this journey to the Southern Border, advancing to the peak of the Human Dao Ninth Heaven realm, and subsequently slaying His Majesty Pope Franklin of the Western Temple and Chairman Garfield of the Dark Council..." He paused, filled with emotion, "The two great Human Dao Ninth Heaven figures of the West, both now fallen."

’s mouth gaped wider and wider, large enough, it seemed, to swallow his fist, while the expressions of and the others were equally frozen. Apart from , everyone who knew of those two powerful figures was completely numbed by the news.

The Divine Calculator stroked his long beard and continued softly, "Sect Master Zi Luli of the Lingxiao Treasure Hall and Sect Master Ao Borui of the Grotto-Heaven Blessed Land have both sent letters confirming that Elder He’s current martial cultivation surpasses theirs. The title 'Number One Under Heaven' is absolutely well-deserved."

After a long moment, the eyes of the onlookers finally regained some focus. However, the way they looked at had changed profoundly. While a Five Qi Grand Venerable was already an unattainable figure in their eyes, there wasn't just one Five Qi Grand Venerable in the world, and above them existed the peak Human Dao Ninth Heaven realm. But the Human Dao Peak realm was the absolute zenith of power in this world.

Moreover, had slain two experts of the same rank and caused two others of equal standing to willingly submit. Once this record was publicized, no one would hesitate to believe that was indeed the current Number One Under Heaven.

A single tear traced a path down 's cheek. He suddenly burst into loud laughter, a sound overflowing with undisguised joy. Even with the Tianchi Sect Master and the Divine Calculator present, he could no longer restrain himself. In this moment, he only wanted to laugh out loud.

Number One Under Heaven...

So, I actually have a grandson who is the Number One Under Heaven expert! As long as this grandson is here, what do I have to fear?

The joyous laughter of the old man echoed throughout the entire He Family Manor, continuous and seemingly endless.

Ps: Should be able to manage five updates today^_^ Asking for monthly tickets, recommendation votes...