"The Congenital Bone Tempering Technique truly lives up to its name."
Ning Qi stood quietly, his thoughts steady.
"When the time is right, I should give it to Master."
He had never intended to keep it for himself.
Dragon Mountain Daoist's kindness toward him was deeper than mountains and heavier than oceans. If the True Martial Sect obtained this technique, its foundation would grow immeasurably stronger. With the right disciples, geniuses would emerge generation after generation.
For Dragon Mountain Daoist, the revival of the True Martial Sect was his lifelong wish.
"Of course… this technique isn't easy to cultivate."
Ning Qi reflected calmly.
"It requires abundant Innate Origin and extremely high comprehension."
What he created was tailored to himself.
He could understand it effortlessly—but that did not mean others could.
As for the Innate Embryonic Breathing Technique, it was even more unrealistic to pass on. That method bordered on the impossible.
"I'll revise the Bone Tempering Technique again," Ning Qi decided.
"I'll lower its threshold."
As his thoughts settled, he stretched slightly.
A faint crack echoed from his small body—like bones and sinews harmonizing.
Just then—
Heavy footsteps approached.
A tall, sturdy figure in gray robes walked into the courtyard, carrying bundles of medicinal herbs.
Bear Stone.
As burly as his name suggested, he looked more like a butcher than a Daoist.
"Little Nine," Bear Stone said in his muffled voice, "Senior Brother was busy today, so I came to bring these myself."
He paused, eyes narrowing in surprise.
"How did you know I was coming?"
Ning Qi smiled faintly.
"Senior Brother, your footsteps are very loud."
Bear Stone laughed, shaking his head.
"You can't fool me. I cultivate the Spirit Turtle Steps—even Inner Yuan experts can't detect my movements."
He looked confident.
But Ning Qi hadn't lied.
The moment his bone foundation completed, he had briefly felt a subtle resonance with heaven and earth. Through it, he sensed Bear Stone's presence. Though that connection had already receded, the aftereffect remained.
"I really heard you," Ning Qi said earnestly. "This morning, my body felt… different."
Bear Stone was about to laugh it off—
Then he froze.
Something seemed off.
His expression tightened. Slowly, he placed a hand on Ning Qi's shoulder.
The next instant—
He recoiled as if struck by lightning.
His face drained of color.
After two deep breaths, he reached out again.
This time, his eyes widened, shock transforming into disbelief—then into uncontrollable joy.
"Little Nine… your bone structure—"
"It's formed?!"
Ning Qi's eyes lit up with excitement.
"Senior Brother, does that mean I can cultivate now?"
Bear Stone nodded rapidly, then shook his head just as fast.
"No—no, we need Master to confirm it. This is too important."
His heart pounded violently.
Three years old.
Ning Qi was only three years old!
In decades of life, Bear Stone had never heard of someone forming their bone foundation at such an age. Even Qin Yun—the peerless genius—had done so at seven.
This wasn't just talent.
It was monstrous.
Without another word, Bear Stone hoisted Ning Qi onto his shoulder and activated the Spirit Turtle Steps, rushing toward the Mingwu Pavilion.
Along the way, disciples stared in stunned silence.
Inside the pavilion.
Dragon Mountain Daoist sat across from Luo Wentian.
"In a few days," Dragon Mountain Daoist said calmly, "I may enter seclusion. During that time, the sect will be entrusted to you."
Luo Wentian's eyes shone.
"Master… are you attempting the Heavenly Human Realm?"
Dragon Mountain Daoist shook his head lightly.
"Only a flicker of insight. Whether it succeeds remains uncertain."
Even so, Luo Wentian was filled with admiration.
Heavenly Human experts lived eight hundred years. To reach that realm before a hundred was already extraordinary—and Dragon Mountain Daoist was only in his eighties.
As they discussed sect affairs—
Both suddenly looked up.
Bear Stone burst in, panting.
Dragon Mountain Daoist frowned, about to reprimand him, but paused upon seeing Ning Qi.
"What's the rush?" he asked calmly.
Bear Stone placed Ning Qi down, bowed deeply, and said solemnly:
"Master… this concerns Little Nine."
Dragon Mountain Daoist's expression turned serious.
"Speak."
"You should see for yourself."
Ning Qi stepped forward respectfully and bowed.
Dragon Mountain Daoist placed his hand gently on Ning Qi's head.
The next moment—
His body stiffened.
Outwardly calm.
Inwardly, chaos erupted.
Impossible.
Yet the sensation was unmistakable.
Luo Wentian's heart tightened.
"Master…?"
Dragon Mountain Daoist withdrew his hand slowly.
His voice was quiet—almost reverent.
"His bone foundation… has already formed."
Silence descended upon the pavilion.
A three-year-old.
Bone foundation complete.
Only one word remained suitable.
Monster.