Chapter 203: Collision
Added 2025-06-04 10:10:11 +0000 UTCAll Novels || Martial God
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Kairong Country's capital was immensely vast and prosperous, far surpassing both Tianluo Country's capital and Zheng Tong Prefecture City.
In the Northwest region of the capital lived most of the foreign envoys. Apart from envoys from powerful nations like Tufan Kingdom, all envoys from Kairong Country's subordinate nations resided here, including many Innate experts.
Of course, if these Innate experts were not here in the name of their country, they would naturally receive better treatment. But if they came as Nation Protecting Masters, they would inevitably have to reside here.
Tall trees lined both sides of the main road, planted under the personal order of Kairong Country's King. Now, beneath the shade of the trees, sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting scattered golden patches on the ground. Walking cheerfully over the scattered gold, enveloped by its glow.
He Yiming and Yuan Lixun walked side by side under the shade of the trees.
The two laughed and chatted, seemingly discussing something pleasant. But in reality, their conversation held no hint of romance.
"Young Master, is something on your mind?"
He Yiming's gaze held a trace of helplessness. "I hate it here." As he spoke, his ears twitched subtly.
Yuan Lixun's gaze fell on his ears, and she immediately knew he was paying attention to something. She covered her mouth with a chuckle. "Why do you hate it here?"
He Yiming looked at her intently. No one would have guessed that what he said had nothing to do with his expression.
"There are too many people here," He Yiming said seriously. "Our every move is under their surveillance, so I really dislike it."
Yuan Lixun blinked her expressive eyes and smiled, "Young Master, since you dislike them, let's leave."
He Yiming hesitated for a moment, then shook his head. "This is Kairong Country's capital after all. If we suddenly disappear, it will definitely alarm many people. Others are fine, but I don't want to cause trouble for Elder Brother Shui."
Yuan Lixun's expression subtly dimmed. She lowered her voice. "Young Master, is Master Shui's body really weakening?"
He Yiming sighed deeply. "Yes, the time he can still look after Tianluo Country is not long."
The two fell silent simultaneously. Since meeting Shui Xuanjin, the old man had given them a great impression. Their interactions were very harmonious, feeling somewhat like close friends who could talk about anything, but even more like a harmonious family.
So, after confirming Shui Xuanjin's current state, their moods became heavy.
A moment later, He Yiming shook his head. "Lixun, let's go explore this city. I didn't buy you anything at Fenglaixiang Pavilion in Tianluo Country last time, so this time I'll have to give you more."
Yuan Lixun nodded gently. She naturally understood that He Yiming wasn't genuinely trying to buy anything, but merely trying to distract her.
Gently holding Yuan Lixun's small hand, He Yiming shifted his gaze and said, "Prepare a carriage for me. I want to tour this city."
His voice wasn't loud, but it spread out like a straight line.
By the side of the main road, dozens of sturdy soldiers stood guard. These soldiers appeared ordinary, but each possessed cultivation above the Inner Energy sixth level, clearly indicating they were elite troops of Kairong Country.
At this moment, in the ears of these people, He Yiming's voice suddenly echoed. They were slightly startled, and then two of them quickly ran out. A moment later, a luxurious carriage was delivered to He Yiming and Yuan Lixun.
He Yiming had long since heard their whispers through his Clairaudient Ear technique. They were not only responsible for the outer defense here but also secretly monitored members of all subordinate countries.
However, for Innate experts, even if they weren't Innate experts from their Masters Hall, they still showed great admiration and respect, daring not to show any neglect.
So, upon hearing He Yiming's voice, they immediately arranged a carriage for him to use.
He Yiming glanced at the carriage and couldn't help but smile wryly. It seemed these people truly spared no effort in treating Innate experts.
He remembered the insignia on this carriage very clearly. If he wasn't mistaken, this should be the unique insignia of Kairong Country's Masters Hall.
In this city, anyone with a bit of knowledge, upon seeing this carriage, would know it belonged to the Masters Hall, and those riding inside were naturally the Innate experts from the Masters Hall.
Similarly, in this city, as long as one was riding in this carriage, they could travel unhindered throughout the city. Even within the Imperial Palace, no one would be so foolish as to intercept this carriage.
Of course, if one did not possess the corresponding status, position, and strength, then they could not ride in such a carriage. Otherwise, not only would the person suffer, but their family would also be implicated.
Holding Yuan Lixun's hand, they stepped onto the luxurious carriage and headed towards the city center.
The carriage moved along the main road. Most ordinary people who saw the carriage silently bowed, which showed how respected Innate experts were in this city.
Before long, they arrived at the capital's most bustling street, where shops lined the thoroughfare, and the prosperity far exceeded anything He Yiming had ever seen before.
They had just arrived when several swift horses approached from behind. These horses, like the carriage, galloped uninhibitedly down the center of the road, heading straight towards their carriage.
On the luxurious carriage, there were two coachmen, each an expert at the Inner Energy seventh level.
Although using such strength as coachmen was clearly overkill, for the vast majority of Inner Energy seventh-level experts without a sect, being able to become a coachman for such a carriage was a dream come true.
If, while serving as a coachman, they were noticed by an Innate expert, or if the expert, out of whim, offered a few pointers, that would be an invaluable gain for them.
For this vague hope, not to mention Inner Energy seventh-level experts, even Inner Energy eighth or even ninth-level Acquired Stage experts wouldn't mind serving as coachmen.
At this moment, seeing the approaching horses from behind, the two men’s expressions changed slightly, and they exchanged glances. Although even they themselves could not believe that someone dared to charge at a Masters Hall carriage here, they dared not show the slightest negligence.
One of them suddenly flipped over, swiftly landing on the ground, and went around the carriage, coming to the center of the main road. He had gone around one side of the carriage, surprisingly not daring to leap over it.
"Stop..."
A roar burst from his mouth. At the same time, he assumed a defensive posture. If these people still refused to rein in their horses, he would not hesitate to intervene.
Although He Yiming was not an Innate expert of this country, the dignity of an expert was not to be infringed upon.
The swift horses immediately halted. The riders on horseback placed their hands on the horses' backs, and with movements as light as swallows, dismounted. He had just caught his breath and hadn't yet spoken when He Yiming's voice rang out from inside the carriage.
"Mingjin, are you looking for me?"
The two coachmen on the carriage immediately relaxed. Since it was someone Master He knew, there was no need for them to worry.
However, as they looked at the young man, who was called "brother" by Master He but whose own strength seemed to be inferior to theirs, a hint of unconcealed jealousy flashed in their eyes.
This fellow's luck was simply too good.
Xie Mingjin responded, let go of the reins, and quickly approached the carriage.
The man who had been blocking initially paused slightly, then stepped forward and took the reins. Regardless of his inner thoughts, his face showed no unusual expression, as if he were simply the most ordinary coachman and such matters were his specialty.
"Elder Brother He..." Xie Mingjin lowered his voice. "Master Shui Xuanjin asked me to invite you back. He said there's something to discuss."
He Yiming paused, then hesitated, turning to look at Yuan Lixun.
Yuan Lixun was right beside him, and Xie Mingjin didn't intentionally avoid her, so she heard everything clearly. Although disappointed, she said thoughtfully, "Young Master, Master Shui must have something important to discuss with you. You should go quickly."
He Yiming nodded slightly. "Alright, I'll go now. But since you're already here, you should go for a stroll." With that, he gently patted Xie Mingjin's arm. "Mingjin, your sister-in-law wants to take a stroll here. Please look after her for me."
Xie Mingjin patted his chest. "Elder Brother, don't worry, I understand."
Yuan Lixun's face flushed slightly upon hearing his words, but she didn't object, only feeling a sweet warmth in her heart. Although it wasn't the first time she had heard such a title, each time she heard it, she felt a similar sensation.
He Yiming turned and strode away. His movements seemed slow, but after a few steps, he had already disappeared from sight.
The two Inner Energy seventh-level coachmen looked at Yuan Lixun and Xie Mingjin, exchanging bewildered glances. This carriage was a special vehicle provided by Kairong Country for the masters in the Masters Hall and foreign masters visiting the capital. According to the Masters Hall's regulations, only masters who had reached the Innate Realm were eligible for this treatment.
And now He Yiming had left, but Yuan Lixun remained.
They technically no longer had the right to continue riding in this carriage, but even if these two coachmen had ten times the courage, they wouldn't dare to force her out.
The two exchanged glances, then smiled bitterly at each other, finally deciding to feign ignorance.
On the most bustling and prosperous street in Kairong Country’s capital, Xie Mingjin repeatedly addressed Yuan Lixun as “sister-in-law.” Though naturally straightforward, he wasn’t a fool and knew the principle of appealing to the lady. Here, if Yuan Lixun so much as glanced at an item, he’d wave his hand, and someone would naturally step forward to purchase it.
Yuan Lixun initially demurred a few times, but eventually gave up in helplessness.
She was also intelligent and understood Xie Mingjin's intentions somewhat. Furthermore, she knew He Yiming highly valued this good friend, so she couldn't complain and simply let him be. However, she also became more careful, only paying attention to things that truly interested her.
But even so, after one round, the few guards accompanying Xie Mingjin were already carrying numerous bags and packages.
Most of these were not items Yuan Lixun had noticed, but if Xie Mingjin liked them, they would still be taken without question. The majority of these were women's items, and his intention naturally did not escape Yuan Lixun, who could only smile bitterly to herself.
Since He Yiming wasn't accompanying her, Yuan Lixun's interest naturally wasn't very high. However, she understood He Yiming's intentions, so she deliberately lingered for a while longer before returning the way they came.
Xie Mingjin accompanied her to the main road, where the carriage was parked by the side.
Yuan Lixun's footsteps suddenly paused, and she asked, "Brother Xie, please forgive my directness, but why did Master Shui ask you to come?"
Although Xie Mingjin's relationship with He Yiming was well-known, he was, after all, not from Tianluo Country. For Shui Xuanjin to choose him to inform He Yiming was inexplicable.
Xie Mingjin looked around and said, "At that time, Master Shui and our Nation Protecting Master were discussing matters, when suddenly someone came in and handed Master Shui a letter. After Master Shui read the letter, he ordered Master He to be invited. I happened to be nearby, so I volunteered to come."
Yuan Lixun was then relieved, but her heart was still somewhat worried, not understanding what matter it was that made Shui Xuanjin so urgently seek He Yiming.
Glancing at Yuan Lixun and seeing the slight unnaturalness on her face, Xie Mingjin naturally understood what she was worried about.
His eyebrows suddenly lifted, and Xie Mingjin declared loudly, "Sister-in-law, please don't worry. In this world, there is nothing that can stump Eldest Brother. As long as he takes action, he will definitely be able to resolve it."
Ever since he witnessed He Yiming successfully ascend to the Innate Realm at the age of sixteen, He Yiming's image in his mind had grown immeasurably. In his eyes, He Yiming was absolutely an omnipotent figure; anything that fell into his hands would be solved with ease.
Yuan Lixun paused slightly, then shook her head, smiling wryly. She had accompanied He Yiming and gone through many things, but her confidence in He Yiming was even less than Xie Mingjin's.
Suddenly, a series of urgent, thunderous horse hooves echoed from ahead.
Xie Mingjin's expression changed slightly, and he immediately stepped forward. But even faster than him were the Xie Family guards surrounding him.
These guards were all Inner Energy experts carefully selected from the Xie Family. They all knew that their Eldest Young Master, having forged a connection with He Yiming, would surely have a boundless future. So at this moment, they were exceptionally proactive, wanting to leave the deepest impression on their Eldest Young Master.
More than ten swift horses galloped from the distance, and these riders were far more overbearing than Xie Mingjin. Although they saw Yuan Lixun and Xie Mingjin in the middle of the road, they showed no intention of slowing down.
Xie Mingjin's face changed drastically. He shouted loudly, "Stop..."
However, those fierce horses not only did not stop, but accelerated even more, and a burst of delighted laughter echoed from them.
In just a flash, those swift horses had already charged in front of them.
The Xie Family guards threw away the things they had just bought. They drew their personal weapons and mercilessly slashed forward.
Although they all knew that anyone galloping so wildly here would not be simple individuals. Perhaps they couldn't afford to offend even one of them. However, at this moment, behind them was their Eldest Young Master. In this situation, no matter who came charging from the front, these guards would block them.
The leading rider suddenly snorted angrily, shouting, "How dare you!"
With his roar, a person leaped out from behind a horse as fast as a flying bird. This person's speed was even a step faster than the swift horse, and he flashed into the group of Xie Family guards like lightning.
Those guards couldn't even clearly see the person's movements before they felt a sharp pain and were kicked away like flying birds.
In an instant, the few guards who had been blocking Yuan Lixun and Xie Mingjin flew out as if they had grown wings.
Xie Mingjin's face changed drastically. An expert's first move reveals their depth. Once this person made a move, he immediately displayed immensely powerful martial prowess.
The Xie Family guards were at least Inner Energy seventh-level experts, but in this person's hands, they couldn't even withstand a single move. Fortunately, this person showed mercy and did not truly kill. Although the guards who were sent flying looked somewhat frightening, they were not fundamentally injured, and with their physiques, they would fully recover after a period of rest.
Xie Mingjin's face had turned ashen. The opponent's arrogance had reached its peak, far exceeding his imagination. Moreover, the attacker's strength was incredibly high, at least at the Inner Energy ninth level or above. Such strength was something he could not resist.
Seeing the leading horse charging over without stopping, he could no longer care about anything else. He leapt to Yuan Lixun's side, pushed her hard, and immediately shoved her to the roadside. At the same time, he leaped forcefully to the other side, instantly clearing the central path.
When under another's roof, one has to bow one's head. When strength is insufficient, evasion is the only option.
However, at this moment, the leading swift horse shot past like a meteor chasing the moon. The rider on horseback let out a long laugh, and with a flick of his whip, the long whip spun in the air like a venomous snake flicking its tongue, twisting at an extremely bizarre angle.
"Crack!"
A crisp sound exploded in the air. Yuan Lixun groaned, and several drops of blood splattered.
Xie Mingjin's eyes were splitting with anger. He had been entrusted by He Yiming to look after Yuan Lixun, but now she had suffered an inexplicable disaster. The only thing he could be sure of was that Yuan Lixun was injured.
His heart was filled with fury. How was he going to explain this to He Yiming?
A beast-like roar erupted from his mouth, his eyes filled with a blood-red ferocity. With an angry lunge, he instantly unleashed the fastest speed of his life, charging behind the leading rider's horse.
His wrist flicked, and a dark black light shot out, arcing beautifully through the air, chasing after the leading rider.