In the Seeking Dao Courtyard.
Ning Qi was reviewing the two secret techniques he had recently created.
The Enlightenment Tea Tree grew increasingly verdant, remaining vibrant even amidst the heavy winter snow. Sitting beneath its branches, Ning Qi found it easier to enter a state of enlightenment.
Threads of worldly energy swirled around him, forming a protective barrier.
But the more astonishing transformation was occurring within Ning Qi himself.
His sword intent pulsated in a peculiar rhythm as his Origin Core trembled continuously. Streams of pure Qi Force began circulating along specific meridians before merging with his sword intent in a mysterious fusion. From this union, an unparalleled sharp force was born—still in the process of being nurtured.
"This is the Innate Divine Sword Qi!" Ning Qi rejoiced inwardly, sensing its might surpassing even the Heavenly Sword Technique.
The essence of this secret technique lay in nurturing sword energy—combining innate divinity with sword intent and Qi Force to forge an overwhelmingly formidable sword energy capable of unleashing earthshaking power.
Through his deductions, Ning Qi realized his current version was merely a diluted imitation. The true Innate Divine Sword Qi required not Qi Force, but energy refined from worldly power.
He sighed contemplatively:
"From the visions I witnessed, those born with Innate Sword Bones could naturally absorb worldly energy from birth, granting them immediate mastery of this formidable talent. For later generations like myself to awaken such abilities, one would typically need to reach Martial Sage realm."
"But that was before. With my created technique, Qi Force can substitute for Martial Sage power—albeit with slightly diminished potency."
"Even so, it's nothing to scoff at. The current Innate Divine Sword Qi is my strongest attack—surpassing even my full-powered Heavenly Sword Technique."
A faint smile curved his lips. These gains were substantial indeed.
Presently, Ning Qi's Heavenly Sword Technique had reached a quantitative advantage—limited by his current power threshold and stagnant sword intent. At full capacity, he could manifest over a thousand heavenly swords to form the Thousand Stars Sword Array.
Upon reaching Heaven-Man Realm's peak, ten thousand swords would heed his call effortlessly—marking another breakthrough.
Yet now, the Innate Divine Sword Qi's might already eclipsed the Thousand Stars Sword Array, becoming his ultimate trump card.
"Moreover, when I eventually reach Martial Sage realm and replace Qi Force with Martial Sage power, this technique's true potential will blossom—a peerless secret art that shines even among Martial Sages!"
Ning Qi marveled again at the prowess of Innate Sword Bones, lamenting their disappearance in this era.
Internally examining himself, he concealed that terrifying sword energy deeper within—a final resort not to be used lightly.
Next, he tested his second secret technique.
All-Seeing Golden Eyes.
Its brilliance matched the Innate Divine Sword Qi, though its purpose wasn't destruction.
"Like the sword energy, these eyes require Martial Sage power for full activation. Currently, I'm improvising with Qi Force—yet still achieving remarkable effects."
With a thought, golden light shimmered in his pupils, radiating majesty.
His vision slowed everything to a crawl—snowflakes drifted languidly, wind howled in drawn-out tones. Gazing at the tea tree, he perceived the essence flowing through its roots. The worldly energy revealed intricate networks permeating existence.
"To 'see through falsehoods' means unraveling illusions. With these eyes, most secrets lay bare before me—perfectly complementing my comprehension to aid enlightenment."
"They're equally invaluable in combat, exposing enemies' weaknesses. No concealment shields worldly energy or sword intent from my sight... perhaps even effective against Martial Sages."
Though never encountering a Martial Sage, his intuition rang strongly.
Mastering both techniques elevated his strength further, settling his mind with assurance.
Gazing skyward, curiosity struck him.
"Shall I observe the Lightning Forbidden Zone with these eyes?"
Having unfinished cultivation tasks, he ascended silently—swiftly reaching the thunderous heights where the forbidden zone roiled like battling lightning dragons.
Golden pupils focused across space, piercing deeper—past violet-black, black, crimson-black, until...
Blood lightning.
Countless terrifying bolts permeated the depths, their mere aura making his soul tremble.
Daring to look further, a blood-red radiance surged with dreadful might—seeming to chase back along his vision. With a startled cry, he dispersed the golden eyes, heart pounding.
"That blood lightning destroys not just flesh but erodes willpower itself!"
Yet curiosity lingered—what lay beyond? Other horrors? Or... something else?
Sighing, he acknowledged the world's many mysteries—currently beyond his strength to explore.
Clearing his mind, he resumed cultivation.
A thousand-mile journey begins with a single step.
Strengthening himself remained paramount.
Now, he merely awaited Luo Wentian's news—ready to descend the mountain at the slightest trace of Blood King Gu.
Time flowed steadily.
The wait proved brief.
One day, Luo Wentian entered the courtyard.
"Xiao Jiu, I've gathered intelligence. Several suspected Blood King Gu breeding sites exist in Southern Alliance territory—all well-hidden with only scattered clues. Some may be deliberate traps—the imperial court was ambushed similarly before."
"Perhaps... you shouldn't go."
Hesitation colored his words.
While hoping to eliminate the Southern Alliance and Demonic Sect's Martial Sage threats preemptively, he equally feared endangering Ning Qi—both as senior brother and as Zhenwu Sect's future.
Days of internal conflict ended with him deferring the choice.
Accepting the dossier, Ning Qi reassured:
"Fear not, Senior Brother. My recent progress ensures escape even from a genuine Martial Sage."
Luo Wentian relaxed slightly—knowing his ninth brother never boasted idly, often understating capabilities. Still, he urged earnestly:
"Promise me this—proceed only if success seems likely. Preserve yourself above all. The Demonic Sect and Southern Alliance possess profound legacies. Though lacking current Martial Sages, they may harbor Martial Sage-level contingencies. Never underestimate them."
Ning Qi nodded solemnly, smiling:
"Worry not. Seeking immortality, I've no death wish."
The Demonic Sect's longevity opposing the Great Yan Dynasty and Southern Alliance's foothold in treacherous lands proved their formidable natures.
Luo Wentian chuckled at the half-jest—recalling Ning Qi declaring immortality aspirations at six months old, a story their master often recounted proudly.
Martial arts require aspiration.
However lofty, what mattered was steadfast progress.
Years of seclusion in the courtyard had demonstrated Ning Qi's unwavering dedication—earning silent admiration from peers.
Remembering something, Luo Wentian added:
"Another matter—Daoist Baishan of True Mystery Sect reached Heaven-Man Realm recently. His ascension ceremony is in six months—he invited Master and specifically mentioned you."
True Mystery Sect maintained excellent relations with Zhenwu Sect, having supported them during sect rankings and against Wuxiang Sect's spies. Courtesy demanded attendance.
Recalling the eccentric old Daoist who'd once pestered him to raid other sects in Daozhou, Ning Qi raised an eyebrow:
"He actually broke through?"
Years ago, Baishan had bragged about rapid advancement post-breakthrough—even to Martial Sage. Perhaps worth investigating.
"After this trip, if circumstances permit," Ning Qi mused, intrigued by Daozhou's sects.
Luo Wentian agreed—the ceremony wasn't imminent.
After further safety admonishments, he departed.
Next dawn, after arranging Yuan Tiansheng's affairs and announcing seclusion, Ning Qi slipped away unnoticed.
...
Though the snowfall eased, extreme cold still threatened commoners.
Traveling from Zhenwu City, Ning Qi witnessed worsening conditions—frozen corpses littering roadsides, desperate survivors. His sporadic aid proved but a drop in the ocean.
Two millennia of Great Yan Dynasty rule bred inevitable corruption—accumulated maladies worsening under Southern Alliance and Demonic Sect assaults.
The empire's foundations trembled.
Commoners' grievances neared eruption—though in this martial world, true upheaval required sect backing.
Reaching Heishi City in Stone Province, Ning Qi rested at an inn.
Luo Wentian's first lead pointed to the nearby Blackstone Mountains—where powerful martial artists' bodies reportedly vanished, possibly feeding a Blood King Gu blood pool.
Savoring local cuisine, Ning Qi appreciated this rare excursion. Though serious business awaited, haste served no purpose.
Observing mortal struggles was cultivation too—especially for one long secluded.
His Wind Perception Art silently identified several suspects from the intelligence. He awaited the perfect moment to investigate without alerting enemies.
*Thud!*
A scuffle drew his attention—a swordsman and bladesman brawling.
The red-faced swordsman roared:
"You dare disrespect Heavenly Sword Elder? The Blade Demon was defeated recently! How dare a clown like you question him?"
Under scrutiny, the bladesman retorted:
"I revere Heavenly Sword Elder! I merely suggested Wind-listening Elder might rival him! What's that to a talentless hack like you?"
Their clash intensified.
Amused, Ning Qi recognized an ardent fan—willing to die for his reputation.
Seeing the swordsman falter, Ning Qi subtly infused his blade with razor-thin sword intent—a chance encounter's gift to smoothen his path.
Suddenly empowered, the swordsman prevailed—sparing his foe while extolling Heavenly Sword Elder's deeds to cheers.
The experience felt... peculiar.
Shaking his head, Ning Qi departed—having lingered enough. Blackstone Mountains awaited.