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Chapter 200: Small Alliance
🕑 Added 2025-06-04 10:10:09 +0000 UTCAll Novels || Martial God
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The sudden change before everyone's eyes evoked an extremely bizarre feeling.
When He Yiming struck with his palm, wind swirled and clouds gathered. Everyone's ears seemed to instantly catch the sharp sound of something tearing through the air.
The immense power contained within that palm made everyone wary, and the Innate expert enveloped by its might did not hesitate to unleash the most powerful martial art of his life, seeking to resist this potent strike.
However, no one anticipated that this seemingly powerful palm strike would take a turn mid-way.
The same power, the same momentum, the same imposing might.
Only, the target of this palm strike had suddenly changed.
Another Innate expert’s face drastically changed. A hint of horror flashed in his eyes, and at that moment, he felt an intense, dangerous stimulus. Simultaneously, the hairs on his body stood on end.
He had a strange feeling that He Yiming's palm strike had exceeded his limits of endurance. Moreover, with their qi locked onto each other, if he tried to escape, he wouldn't be able to avoid the strike no matter what.
Thus, without hesitation, he instantly gathered all his True Qi. Although the haste inevitably weakened his momentum, at this critical juncture, he had no other choice.
With a roar, he spread his feet apart, lowered his center of gravity, and raised both palms, ready to meet the incoming strike.
However, his eyes widened similarly in the next moment, because, like the person before him, he found that in his vision, He Yiming's palm, containing world-destroying power, was not getting closer, but farther away.
He Yiming remained calm, his footsteps swift as he moved.
Although the ground was littered with rocks, he moved as if on flat ground, circling among the six Innate experts with lightning speed.
After this loop, he had met each person once, and everyone had felt the terrifying aura from him, as if they could be crushed and pulverized at any moment. Yet, throughout this entire loop, He Yiming's palm strike never landed.
He suddenly returned to his original position, his sharp gaze fixed straight ahead. Everyone had a feeling that he was focusing his primary energy on himself.
Although He Yiming's poised palm strike hadn't actually been launched, precisely because of this, his aura had accumulated to its peak, like a massive powder keg, ready to explode at any moment.
Not to mention the six great Innate experts confronting him, even Shui Xuanjin and Ting Shi Guang held their breath, daring not to make a move.
After sensing this overflowing, indescribably vast aura, they all had a feeling that they absolutely could not withstand He Yiming's attack.
And what would be the consequence of not being able to withstand it?
No one dared to imagine the consequences. Their only thought was to avoid conflict with He Yiming as much as possible, no matter how small the conflict.
Slowly, He Yiming's aura began to recede, little by little.
Just as his momentum reached its peak, like a fully drawn arrow that had to be released, his aura actively weakened, bit by bit.
But even so, under the watchful eyes of the six Innate experts, He Yiming fearlessly retracted his immense aura. It was as if he had full confidence that no one would dare to take advantage of this opportunity to counterattack.
Although the six Innate experts' faces were unsightly, at this moment, they truly dared not make a move, just watching He Yiming completely retract all his aura.
From beginning to end, none of these six experts had the thought of striking back.
And when He Yiming's aura completely receded, they felt a sense of relief.
From then on, their perception of He Yiming finally changed.
In their eyes, there was no longer any doubt, evaluation, or contempt for a young expert.
Now, their eyes were filled with respect. Although there was also disappointment and jealousy, no one easily expressed it.
Once one enters the Innate realm, it is like a carp leaping over the dragon's gate, and their way of thinking becomes vastly different from ordinary people.
In their eyes, the so-called differences in seniority and age no longer held much significance. The only thing that could truly awe an Innate expert was strength, a super strength even greater than their own.
When He Yiming displayed strength far superior to their individual power, they finally completely believed the rumors and confirmed He Yiming's dominant position among them.
He Yiming's gaze shifted, and a warm, gentle smile appeared on his face. "I am He Yiming, greetings to all Nation Protecting Masters."
Shui Xuanjin felt secretly grateful. He knew that with He Yiming's temperament, he wouldn't normally act so arrogantly. But today, meeting so many Innate experts for the first time, he had struck without hesitation, and in such an uninhibited manner, as if he didn't put these people in his eyes.
This distinctly different display, seen through his eyes, naturally indicated that He Yiming was doing this for his sake, which was why he had gone all out. This way, the formidable reputation of Tianluo Country's new Nation Protecting Master would officially spread far and wide, making the many competing neighboring countries extremely cautious when considering any designs on Tianluo Country.
Before the six Innate experts could speak, countless exclamations and hurried footsteps echoed from all directions, heading towards their location.
They exchanged glances, then looked at the messy scene around them, and couldn't help but smile bitterly.
Even though the seven great Innate experts hadn't gone all out, even a slight clash between them caused an extraordinary stir.
The collapse of such a large house and such a loud noise naturally couldn't be hidden from those outside.
In an instant, an unknown number of people rushed towards the area.
In a moment, many people had gathered nearby. Their clothing differed, clearly belonging to various factions. Among them were guards from various countries, disciples of the Innate experts present, and even servants from Kairong Country who served here.
However, despite their diverse personal identities, upon arriving, even those who had been the loudest and most arrogant instantly fell silent upon seeing the nine people present, becoming as quiet as the most docile kittens.
Those who could appear here were mostly discerning individuals, and apart from He Yiming, the other eight Innate experts were all renowned elders with decades of fame. Their appearances and attire were widely known among those with influence.
If only one appeared, perhaps some wouldn't recognize them, but when nine appeared simultaneously, if these people still couldn't recognize them, then they wouldn't be qualified to be there.
Finally, seeing the young man standing among them, subtly surrounded like stars around the moon by several others, their minds became even more active.
Shui Xuanjin shook his head slightly. "Everyone, let's find another place to chat."
His suggestion was immediately met with everyone's approval. No one wanted to continue being stared at like monkeys in this situation.
The Innate experts brushed off their clothes, patted themselves down, and turned to leave. They ignored the mess behind them and the excited looks in the eyes of the crowd. In their eyes, apart from fellow experts of the same rank, even a peak Acquired Stage cultivator at the Tenth Level of Inner Strength wouldn't be given a second thought.
Only after their figures disappeared from everyone's sight did the area slowly begin to buzz with activity.
First, there were whispers, then they quickly spread, and everyone's eyes held unconcealed excitement and reverence.
Most of the people gathered here were guards from different countries. Their countries typically only had one Innate expert residing there. Given their status, it was usually impossible for them to meet these top-tier experts. Even the servants from Kairong Country, whose status was vastly different from the experts in the Masters Hall, found it even harder to meet them than these guards.
So, when they personally witnessed nine Innate experts gathered together, everyone's heart was filled with intense excitement.
One person stepped out, cupped his fists slightly towards the crowd, and said, "Everyone, please clean up and disperse. Gathering like this is truly unsightly."
This person was Yu Kefan of Tianluo Country. His attitude was extremely sincere, and his eyes shone brightly.
Another person also came to his side, who was Ting Guili of Fire Crow Country. With his echoing agreement, the leaders of the guards from several other countries agreed without hesitation.
A moment later, everyone dispersed, leaving only a few chosen individuals to tidy up the messy area.
Although no one had witnessed the clash between these Innate experts, this did not hinder people’s boundless imagination. Almost overnight, countless rumors emerged in the city, making it difficult to distinguish truth from falsehood. However, in every version of the rumor, He Yiming was one of the protagonists.
Such a young Innate expert naturally became the focus of everyone's attention, and appearing in such a situation only fueled everyone's conjectures.
After arriving in a new room, everyone settled down. After a brief and simple introduction, He Yiming now knew the names of these masters:
Zhao Ruipei, Xu Zechun, Li Qingxian, Zhang Xingfeng, Zhao Zhanyang, Wang Xixiang.
These six masters were all Innate Protector Grandmasters from the small countries under Kairong Country, and judging by their demeanor, they seemed to have a good relationship with Shui Xuanjin and Ting Shi Guang.
Shui Xuanjin's gaze swept over everyone, and he said solemnly, "Everyone, you've all witnessed Brother He's strength. Is there anyone who still objects to him joining us?"
A bitter smile appeared on the faces of several Innate masters. At this point, if anyone still objected, wouldn't they be acting like an idiot?
He Yiming's expression shifted slightly. Seeing everyone's reactions, he suddenly felt that Shui Xuanjin seemed to be hiding something from him.
He pondered for a moment and asked, "Brother Shui, what do you mean by that?"
Shui Xuanjin said apologetically, "Brother He, this is my fault. I didn't disclose it to you beforehand."
Ting Shi Guang smiled slightly. "Brother He, you can't blame Brother Shui. We had an agreement in the past that this matter could not be revealed unless it received the approval of most people."
He Yiming grew even more curious, his gaze sweeping over everyone's faces. The expressions of these Innate experts seemed so grim.
Suddenly, his heart stirred, and he thought of the countries these people protected. His brows instantly lifted, and he said, "Kairong Country?"
Shui Xuanjin sighed deeply. "Brother He is right. We, the Nation Protecting Masters of these small countries, secretly formed an alliance decades ago."
Master Zhao Ruipei exchanged glances with the others and said, "Master He, the matter of our alliance has indeed not been discussed with anyone else besides ourselves. So, Brother Shui did not intentionally conceal it. Please bear with us."
Having said that, he bowed deeply right where he was. Almost simultaneously, the other Innate experts performed the same gesture.
He Yiming's face changed slightly. He dared not accept such a grand bow without cause. With a slight movement of his body, he had already left his spot like the wind.
Everyone present was an Innate expert, and upon witnessing He Yiming's movement technique, they couldn't help but sigh in admiration. Although they had already experienced the prowess of He Yiming's movement technique earlier, this time, as observers, they had a different, strange feeling.
Such an elegant and agile movement technique left a strong impression on each of them.
However, their gaze shifted to Shui Xuanjin in the next moment.
They had all noticed that He Yiming's movement technique contained a Power of Wind, and it was well known that Shui Xuanjin cultivated a Power of Wind. However, in their perception, He Yiming's movement technique was somehow different from Shui Xuanjin's.
Yet, comparatively, He Yiming seemed to be a cut above Shui Xuanjin in both speed and the agile variations of his movement technique.
He Yiming avoided their solemn bows, and the original resentment in his heart immediately subsided a great deal.
After all, before him were six Innate experts. When they sincerely apologized to someone, even He Yiming himself felt a strong sense of satisfaction.
However, his brow furrowed slightly, and his gaze towards the others carried a hint of vigilance and hesitation.
Shui Xuanjin and the others' intentions were very clear: they formed a secret alliance to gather their combined strength to resist the powerful pressure from Kairong Country.
But Kairong Country had ten Innate experts. Going against such a behemoth required more than a little courage. So even He Yiming himself wasn't sure if he was willing to join such a small group.
Ting Shi Guang and the others were all over a hundred years old, shrewd and experienced individuals. Seeing He Yiming's expression, they immediately exchanged glances.
Zhao Ruipei coughed lightly. "Master He, I know your concerns. But please allow me to speak frankly, Kairong Country's ambition is absolutely not small. They not only want to completely incorporate one-third of the Northwest into their territory, but they also have a strong desire to meddle with the hidden sects within their sphere of influence." He paused, his gaze fixed on He Yiming, filled with sincerity. "Although the Hengshan Mountain lineage is independent, Kairong Country's Masters Hall is also full of ambition towards it."
He Yiming's eyebrows raised, and he laughed heartily. "Brother Zhao, that's a bit alarmist. To covet our Hengshan Mountain, Cheng Fu, Mao Lieguang and the others probably aren't qualified enough."
He spoke with full confidence, and the expression in his eyes conveyed his meaning completely. Anyone could see that he wasn't worried in the slightest.
Zhao Ruipei's face, however, was extremely serious. "Master He, do you know that in Kairong Country's Masters Hall, Mao Lieguang is not the top expert? The true top expert is actually an Old Ancestor of the Kairong Country imperial family who has been living in seclusion for many years."
He Yiming's heart stirred. He immediately recalled the time he overheard the Third Prince of Kairong Country and Cheng Fu discussing something.
In their conversation, that highly revered Old Ancestor seemed to possess strength that even Cheng Fu could not hope to match.
He Yiming hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Who is that Old Ancestor?"
Zhao Ruipei's eyes suddenly narrowed. It was clear that even with his abilities, he felt a slight apprehension when mentioning this person.
"That is Zhan Tianfeng, the head of Kairong Country's ten Innate experts." He took a deep breath, speaking with difficulty, "This person is the only Single-Line Sky Realm expert in our Kairong Country and its many affiliated small countries."
"Single-Line Sky Realm…"
He Yiming also took a deep breath. Before he went to Hengshan Mountain, he truly didn't understand the meaning represented by a Single-Line Sky Realm expert.
But now, especially after Yu Jinglei had effortlessly, seemingly without effort, killed an Innate expert in front of him, He Yiming had already understood the terrifying power of such a level of expert.
"Master He, it is rumored that the Hengshan Mountain lineage also has an Innate expert who has reached the Single-Line Sky Realm," Zhao Ruipei continued. "If not for that, I'm afraid Zhan Tianfeng would have long set his sights on your sect."
He Yiming let out a soft snort. He immediately thought of the thousand-year-old Medicine Garden in Hengshan Mountain, as well as Yu Jinglei and Medicine Daoist’s concerns about having no successors, and other such situations. In his heart, he already believed a few points.
If it weren't for a strong sense of crisis, why would Yu Jinglei and the others be so impatient?
When Zhao Ruipei spoke, everyone, including Shui Xuanjin, remained silent. It was evident that this person's eloquence was indeed the best among them.
At this point, even though he hadn't yet extended an invitation for him to join, He Yiming was already quite moved.
Perhaps, only by combining all possible allied forces could they truly contend with the immense and terrifying monster that was Kairong Country.
Suddenly, He Yiming's ears twitched, and his face changed slightly. "Everyone, Mao Lieguang is here!"
Chapter 201: Tufan's First Hundred Scattered Heavens Realm Expert
