The first encounter with hidden secrets.

"This set of knife techniques is called the Ignite Wood Technique. Once mastered, it allows you to swiftly unleash eighty-one consecutive strikes beside a piece of firewood without damaging it, but the heat generated by the blade can ignite the wood, hence the name," explained Jiang Yun.

Lin Yi wielded the broad knife, continuously chopping at the wooden logs on the ground, while Jiang Yun stood behind him, giving instructions on the essence of the technique.

Lin Yi showed good talent in knife techniques. After Jiang Yun demonstrated the Ignite Wood Technique twice, he was able to remember about seventy to eighty percent of it. This was partly due to the nature of the technique, which emphasized the intention rather than the specific movements. Nonetheless, Lin Yi's impressive memory and his growing understanding of the Ignite Wood Technique were commendable.

With each strike, Lin Yi stopped just before the blade touched the wood, as Jiang Yun had instructed. Whether it was knife techniques or any other martial arts, they should be under the command of the practitioner, not the other way around.

Although Lin Yi's understanding was limited, he executed the instructions accurately. Jiang Yun appreciated having such a disciplined disciple, but he still reminded him, "Techniques are lifeless, while people are alive. You should strive to understand the true essence of the techniques and avoid blindly practicing."

Compared to other young people, Lin Yi possessed a stronger determination and strictness towards himself. Jiang Yun watched as Lin Yi practiced relentlessly, strike after strike, and started to develop a sense of admiration for this fifteen-year-old. Despite Jiang Yun's physical appearance being in his early twenties, he carried the mentality of a man in his thirties.

Lin Yi continued his training without much need for Jiang Yun's supervision, so Jiang Yun strolled around the Lin family mansion. He had visited the mansion many times during his childhood and was not worried about getting lost.

Unknowingly, Jiang Yun found himself at the central area of the Lin family mansion, surrounded by artificial mountains and corridors. As twilight descended, Jiang Yun planned to turn back when he heard the sound of footsteps approaching.

This is the inner courtyard of the Lin Mansion. Behind the artificial mountain lies the residence of Lin Shenhe, the head of the Lin family. Upon hearing the footsteps, Jiang Yun wanted to avoid an awkward encounter with Lin Shenhe. After all, he was currently in an unfamiliar role, and he didn't want Lin Shenhe to misunderstand his presence. So he swiftly hid himself within the artificial mountain.

Wearing a mask and suppressing any spiritual fluctuations, Jiang Yun had no fear of being discovered. As he concealed himself within the mountain, he saw not only Lin Shenhe but also someone unexpected.

Why would Xiao Wanshan be present in the Lin Mansion? Jiang Yun was puzzled.

In the Yanjing City, there were four prominent families: Lin, Xiao, Jiang, and Ye. The Lin family had always been on good terms with the Jiang family, which was why Jiang Yun and Lin Feier were betrothed. However, four years ago, after Jiang Yun's father, Jiang Fan, passed away, the Jiang family voluntarily cut ties with the Lin family and instead established connections with the Xiao family.

However, due to the decline in their strength following their patriarch's death, the Jiang family had become somewhat dependent on the Xiao family. Although the Jiang family still held the status of one of the four prominent families in Yanjing City, they lacked substance.

The Lin and Xiao families had always been at odds with each other. If it became known that Xiao Wanshan was present in the Lin Mansion, it would undoubtedly have new implications for the situation in Yanjing City.

Lin Shenhe and Xiao Wanshan cautiously observed their surroundings, ensuring that no one was present before entering the room and closing the door. Observing their furtive behavior, Jiang Yun's curiosity grew stronger.

After making up his mind, Jiang Yun silently activated his internal energy and quickly followed them. The mask served the purpose of concealing his aura, making it ideal for eavesdropping and gathering information. Coupled with Jiang Yun's internal energy and his Four Forms Steps, which did not belong to this world, it was nearly impossible for anyone to detect his presence.

With a light leap onto the roof, Jiang Yun lifted a small piece of tile, observing the activities within the room. He concentrated his internal energy to his ears, enabling him to faintly hear the conversation between the two.

"Xiao brother, I wonder why you have come so late at night. What important matter brings you here?" Lin Shenhe asked, sitting in the main seat of the study.

From Jiang Yun's perspective, he couldn't see Xiao Wanshan's body but could only hear his voice.

"Brother Lin, there's no need for you to feign ignorance. I have come today precisely because of the reopening of the Qingyang Martial Honored's Cave one month from now," Xiao Wanshan's words surprised Jiang Yun.

Jiang Yun had never heard of the Qingyang Martial Honored before, but the title of Martial Honored alone was enough to astonish him. In the Spirit Martial Continent, there were three levels of the Heavenly Martial Realm: Martial Honored, Martial Emperor, and Martial God. The title of Martial Honored was only bestowed upon Martial Honored-level warriors. It was indeed worth it for the Xiao and Lin families to temporarily set aside their past grievances for the sake of a Martial Honored-level warrior's cave.

"Xiao brother, I don't quite understand your intention. Wasn't the Qingyang Martial Honored's cave completely sealed due to Jiang Fan's death? It has already been four years. Why do you still wish to explore the cave?" Jiang Yun became increasingly shaken as he listened. He never expected his father's death to be related to this Qingyang Martial Honored's cave. Suppressing his thoughts, Jiang Yun continued to focus and listen to the conversation below.

"Brother Lin, I always thought you were magnanimous, but I never expected you to hold such deep prejudice against Xiao. I came alone to discuss with your Lin family. Isn't my sincerity evident enough? Both you and I know that the Qingyang cave was suddenly sealed because of Jiang Fan's sake. But the four-year restriction period is not unknown to anyone, especially within Yanjing City. The Ye family and you and I are well aware of it. So why be so guarded and tight-lipped with Xiao?" Xiao Wanshan said.

"Guarding against villains is necessary, even if it means guarding against gentlemen. Xiao brother, you should know why I am so wary of you. Jiang Fan's death was a wake-up call for me. If I remember correctly, Jiang Fan's death is not unrelated to you, right?" Lin Shenhe said, his wariness evident in his words.

Father's death is related to Xiao Wanshan? Jiang Yun gritted his teeth and listened intently, his resentment towards the Xiao family deepening.

Xiao Wanshan's voice sounded slightly annoyed, "Brother Lin, you can eat anything, but you can't say anything you like. You say Jiang Fan's death is related to me, but do you have any evidence?"

Lin Shenhe let out a cold snort, clearly lacking evidence in his hands. Impatiently, he said, "Xiao brother, I don't think you came tonight to bring up these old matters. Please state your purpose."

"Brother Lin, it was you who brought it up first. Forget it, I'll get straight to the point to save you from asking me to leave. Rumor has it that the Qingyang Martial Honored comes from the Tianjian Sect. On the day the Qingyang cave reopens, representatives from the Tianjian Sect will be present. You also know the strength of the Tianjian Sect. If they get involved, without the unity of our local powers in Yanjing City, we would be left with nothing," Xiao Wanshan said.

"Xiao brother, you are mistaken. The Tianjian Sect is a top sect in the Great Zhou Dynasty. Even if they send representatives, I'm afraid that even if our four families unite, we would not be a match for the Tianjian Sect," Lin Shenhe replied.

"Brother Lin, you are unaware. The Tianjian Sect's representative visiting the Qingyang cave this time is just a second-generation disciple. As long as our four families unite, there is still a chance for us to gain something," Xiao Wanshan said.

Lin Shenhe fell silent for a moment, seeming somewhat lacking in confidence. "Even if it's a second-generation disciple, they are still a formidable Earth Martial

"Indeed, as Brother Lin said, the representative from the Tianjian Sect this time is a True Martial Realm cultivator at the sixth level. If we rely solely on the strength of our four families, we may not be his match. But Brother Lin, don't forget that there are hidden experts in Yanjing City as well. As long as our four families unite and mobilize, are we afraid we can't attract an Earth Martial Realm expert?" Xiao Wanshan said, trying to persuade him.

"You mean not only uniting the strength of our four families but also recruiting other independent martial experts? But in that case, we might face a shortage of resources," Lin Shenhe replied.

"Why is Brother Lin so lacking in confidence in our current strength? With the combined power of our four families, we can certainly claim the lion's share. Perhaps Brother Lin is still wary of Xiao," Xiao Wanshan laughed.

"Xiao brother, are you so proactive because you have already recruited an expert within the Xiao family?" Lin Shenhe skeptically questioned Xiao Wanshan's enthusiasm.

"Haha, Brother Lin, you are indeed wise. You hit the mark with just one guess. I won't hide it from you. I have indeed found an Earth Martial Realm expert to assist me. But rest assured, Brother Lin, I swear that anything obtained from the Qingyang cave will be distributed according to the principle of fairness among the four families. What do you think?" Xiao Wanshan said.

Lin Shenhe thought for a moment and found nothing unreasonable in Xiao Wanshan's words. Since they had the opportunity to benefit from the Qingyang cave, he naturally wouldn't refuse. He replied, "In that case, I won't decline. The Lin family will contribute what we can and send people if necessary."

"Good, Brother Lin, you're straightforward. With your words, I can rest assured. It's too late tonight. Let's gather all four families together on another day to discuss the details. I'll take my leave now," Xiao Wanshan said.