After showering and changing into new clothes, Ye Tian placed the immortal bone into the fish tank. This way, the ginseng could directly absorb the spiritual energy from the immortal bone to aid its growth.
The night passed without incident. The next day, he and Lin Ziyi continued their drive back to the provincial capital, as Wu Zongnian's private jet was scheduled to land at the provincial airport at ten o'clock.
After picking up Wu Zongnian, Ye Tian first took him to the provincial capital's mansion, and then they would discuss subsequent matters.
Wu Zongnian had brought a随从 (suí cóng - attendant) with him this time. The man was in his forties, exuded a strong aura, and was surprisingly also a Martial King, though not yet a Vajra Martial King. This person was short, had a buzz cut, a thin face, and was named Duan Hai, Wu Zongnian's newly hired bodyguard.
Upon arriving at the mansion, Ye Tian asked, "Old Wu, when are we going to meet the King of the Southwest?"
Wu Zongnian replied, "If you have no other business, we'll set off tomorrow."
Ye Tian said, "Then tomorrow. Old Lu is hosting today, and I'll also invite Old Yang, and we'll have a few drinks together."
Wu Zongnian commented, "That sounds good. Old Lu is doing well with his new energy business. I plan to invest more money, and you can help me put in a good word then."
Then he pointed to Duan Hai beside him and said, "Brother, how is my bodyguard? He's also a Martial King. He single-handedly wiped out a mercenary organization in Africa."
Ye Tian smiled and said, "Impressive."
Wu Zongnian then asked, "Brother, why don't you test his strength for me?" He was unaware that Ye Tian was currently in the Human Immortal Tribulation stage.
Duan Hai had been standing by Wu Zongnian's side, his eyes observing their surroundings. Clearly, besides Wu Zongnian, he trusted no one else. Upon hearing Wu Zongnian's words, he immediately moved to an open space, calmly looking at Ye Tian.
Ye Tian waved his hand, "No need to test. I can judge just by observing his footwork and breathing."
Wu Zongnian chuckled, "That's true. You are a Human Immortal, a level higher than him."
However, Duan Hai continued to stare at Ye Tian and said faintly, "Mr. Wu, the person you mentioned is likely not a Human Immortal." He hadn't sensed any overly powerful aura from Ye Tian, which made him suspicious.
Wu Zongnian was taken aback and said, "How is that possible? Little Ye wouldn't lie to me. Duan Hai, this only shows that your cultivation is too low to sense the power of my brother Ye."
Duan Hai, however, was very confident. He smiled faintly and said, "While I can't fully comprehend cultivation, I can sense some things with my own level."
Ye Tian glanced at Duan Hai, thinking, "Just be a bodyguard, why are you talking so much?" He couldn't reveal his Human Immortal Tribulation to everyone. He immediately instructed Li Xuangui in secret, "Old Li, give him a scare."
Li Xuangui, who had already left his original container and was hidden in a jade thumb ring on Ye Tian's hand, heard this and released his divine sense, enveloping Duan Hai.
Duan Hai, who was about to continue "exposing" Ye Tian, suddenly heard a "buzz" in his head, and his limbs became immobile. At this moment, anyone could kill him with ease!
Cold sweat streamed down his forehead, and he trembled, saying, "My lord, I have been presumptuous. Please forgive me!"
Ye Tian smiled slightly, "You couldn't sense it, could you? I'll let you sense it more clearly."
"I sense it! I sense it!" Duan Hai quickly replied.
Ye Tian nodded, allowing Li Xuangui to withdraw his divine sense. Duan Hai immediately collapsed to the ground, as if drained of all energy, unable to get up for a long time.
Wu Zongnian's eyes lit up, and he asked, "Little Ye, how did you do that?"
Ye Tian explained, "A Human Immortal possesses a primordial spirit and can easily control and suppress the spirit of a Martial King. The so-called Vajra Martial King is no match for me."
Wu Zongnian sighed, "I thought you were just a bit stronger than Duan Hai, but I didn't realize you are from completely different worlds."
Duan Hai's spine chilled as he said, "I was foolish. Thank you, Human Immortal, for sparing my life!"
Ye Tian commented, "Your martial arts are not weak, but your foundation is a bit lacking. After sixty, your martial arts will begin to decline."
Duan Hai was startled. He was already forty-seven this year, and he knew that if he couldn't break through further, his cultivation would indeed decrease.
"Human Immortal Ye, is there any way to remedy this?"
Ye Tian replied, "There is a way. As long as you break through to Vajra Martial King, your cultivation will not regress."
Duan Hai gave a wry smile, "Vajra Martial King is too difficult. I tried to break through when I was thirty-nine, but I've never succeeded. I've given up in recent years."
Ye Tian smiled and said no more. It was their first meeting, and he didn't need to say too much.
He said to Wu Zongnian, "Let's rest for a while, and then we'll go visit the martial arts school at noon."
Wu Zongnian replied, "Alright. I've already spoken with my friends, so we can go anytime."