Yuan Shanming's first question upon waking was not about how he woke up, but about: "How is the family?"
Yuan Bilon looked back at the group of unsavory characters behind him and replied: "Old Father, you don't need to worry. With me here, any troublemaker will have to step aside."
Yuan Shanming shook his head: "No, I'm asking if the Yin-Yang School has been causing any trouble?"
Yuan Bilon shook his head: "No, if they dare, my Great Grandfather wouldn't permit it!"
Yuan Shanming looked around: "Is Great Grandfather... still in seclusion?"
Yuan Chunhua nodded: "Yes, he is still in seclusion."
Yuan Shanming nodded: "That's good. Unless it's absolutely unavoidable, we shouldn't disturb his elder's quiet cultivation."
Then he looked at everyone: "Who saved me?"
Yuan Bilon looked at Ming Zhi Tian: "Old Father, it was Mister Ming. He is a great benefactor to our Yuan family."
Yuan Shanming looked at Ming Zhi Tian gratefully: "Thank you, sir, for saving my life. I, Yuan Shanming, on behalf of the entire reclusive Yuan family, owe you a great debt."
Ming Zhi Tian waved his hand: "Patriarch Yuan is too kind. It was merely a small effort."
Sixth Uncle-in-law curled his lips mockingly: "Oh, so humble. Saving someone with the Heavenly Yi Divine Needles and calling it a small effort? I can't do that. Why don't you teach me, so I can try this 'small effort' too?"
Yuan Shanming glared at him, and Sixth Uncle-in-law immediately stopped talking nonsense.
Yuan Shanming looked at Ming Zhi Tian with surprise: "You know the Heavenly Yi Divine Needles? Are you related to Emperor Tianyi Shangshen?"
Ming Zhi Tian shook his head: "Just a passerby."
Knowing Ming Zhi Tian didn't want to elaborate, Yuan Shanming didn't press. He then waved his hand: "I'm tired. Everyone, please leave, except for Mister Ming and Bilon."
No one dared to disobey and everyone respectfully withdrew one by one.
The Great Elder offered his greetings: "The Patriarch has just recovered, please take good care of your health."
Yuan Shanming's expression remained unchanged: "I will. Elder, you are very thoughtful."
After everyone left, Yuan Shanming looked at Yuan Bilon: "Bilon, bring me my storage bag."
"Yes, Old Father." Yuan Bilon quickly brought Yuan Shanming's storage bag.
Yuan Shanming took out a pile of Divine Martial bank notes from it, each with a denomination of five million Divine Martial Coins: "This is fifteen hundred million, as a token of my appreciation."
Ming Zhi Tian patted his storage bag: "I'm sorry, I'm not short of money."
Yuan Shanming was first stunned, then understood. How could someone who knew the Heavenly Yi Divine Needles be short of money?
He then asked: "What do you need? I'll have someone send it to you later to express my gratitude."
Ming Zhi Tian waved his hand: "No need. Your son has already promised to give me what I need."
"Oh? My son has grown up?" Yuan Shanming couldn't help but look at Yuan Bilon more closely.
Yuan Bilon said: "Old Father, your son has long promised Mister Ming. Since you have just recovered, please rest more and don't worry about future matters. Focus on your health."
Yuan Shanming nodded. Although he didn't know what Yuan Bilon had promised, he chose to believe him unconditionally: "Why are you still standing around? Hurry up and fulfill your promise to Mister Ming."
Yuan Bilon respectfully bowed: "Yes, this son will take his leave. Mister Ming, Madam, please this way."
Ming Zhi Tian and Empress Xingchen followed Yuan Bilon to the place of cultivation.
Empress Xingchen asked: "Should I excuse myself?"
Ming Zhi Tian shook his head: "No, you are my family."
"What?" Empress Xingchen was surprised and didn't understand.
Ming Zhi Tian explained: "What I mean is... I have always regarded you as my Martial Aunt, so I have always treated you as family."
Empress Xingchen understood: "Oh, so that's how it is. I thought..."
"Thought? Thought what..." Ming Zhi Tian wanted to ask.
Yuan Bilon said: "Since you two are familiar with each other, I won't beat around the bush. I boldly dare to ask Mister Ming, are you cultivating an evil and wicked technique called the Heaven Swallowing Divine Art?"