Chapter 118: Formless Gang Body, Heavenly Persons List Updated
The congregation quickly glossed over the matter of Dao Companions, after all, Ning Qi and Zhuang Chen, two little Daoists, were still here.
Second Disciple Xiong Shi brought up another matter:
“Senior Brother, when is the next World Daoist Sect ranking? How are the preparations going now?”
The congregation’s gazes all turned over.
Although True Martial Sect had now obtained a Daoist Jade Plaque bestowed by the Great Yan Dynasty, if it wanted to gain recognition throughout the world and become a top-tier Daoist Sect famous throughout the world, it still had to enter the Daoist Sect ranking.
The world’s top-tier Daoist Sects only took nine in number.
Countless Daoist Sects were very covetous of these positions, many Daoist Sects strove generation after generation just to join their ranks, and True Martial Sect was no exception.
But this was difficult, even the last ninth place required sufficient foundation.
If True Martial Sect now counted Heavenly Sword True Person, its peak combat power was sufficient, but in terms of foundation, it was slightly lacking, after all, it had only been created a few decades ago. If it wanted to enter, it had to make up for it from other places, after all, the Daoist Sects already in there did not want to be squeezed out, and there would inevitably be friction.
In fact.
Over so many years, very few top-tier Daoist Sects had been squeezed out.
Luo Wentian said:
“The specific time has not been determined yet, it depends on the intentions of those nine Daoist Sects. With True Martial Sect’s foundation, we can now compete for it, but it’s just an attempt. After the True Martial Peach Gathering, I will go to Dao State to communicate with True Profound Sect and see the specific situation.”
The congregation all raised their cups to toast Luo Wentian.
Over these years, Luo Wentian had sacrificed much for True Martial Sect’s development. Dragon Mountain Daoist had recently been discussing passing the position to him, but Luo Wentian was still hesitating, worried that his cultivation was not high enough and would tarnish True Martial Sect’s prestige.
However, everyone knew that Luo Wentian taking the position was only a matter of time.
He was the most qualified in the entire True Martial Sect.
Ning Qi was also aware of this matter. He had thought of some ways to help Luo Wentian break through quickly, but the Martial Way had no real shortcuts. He could only make Luo Wentian’s cultivation as smooth and rapid as possible, but there was no way to achieve a major breakthrough in a short time.
Hearing True Profound Sect.
Ning Qi’s heart stirred, and he thought of White Mountain Old Daoist from before.
He smiled and said:
“If Senior Brother goes to True Profound Sect, help me check on White Mountain Daoist, see if he is getting closer to the Heavenly Human Realm.”
The congregation burst into laughter. They had also heard the rumors of White Mountain Old Daoist pestering little Junior Brother at True Martial Mountain earlier. White Ape rolled its eyes upon hearing that shameless old Daoist, still resentful about the old Daoist trying to take him away.
The congregation began discussing the various preparations needed for the Daoist Sect ranking.
Among them, they inevitably mentioned Heavenly Sword True Person.
Fourth Disciple He Yan thought for a moment, then his eyes suddenly lit up:
“Calculating the time, the Great Yan Heavenly Human Ranking, which updates every three years, should be updating. If Heavenly Sword Senior can make the list, our chances of entering the Daoist Sect ranking will be much greater.”
The congregation’s expressions all became excited.
“That’s the reason, hope Heavenly Sword Senior can make the list.”
The Great Yan Heavenly Human Ranking only ranked thirty-six.
Sometimes the strength of thirty-six and thirty-seven or thirty-eight might not differ much, but the people of the world would only remember the experts on the Heavenly Human Ranking, with much less fame otherwise.
Ning Qi smiled, but felt somewhat helpless inside.
If possible, he really did not want to be on this Heavenly Human Ranking, as it would bring unnecessary trouble, but there was no way, this was not up to his mind.
The congregation anticipated the Heavenly Human Ranking update.
During this, Zhuang Chen also expressed his adoration for Heavenly Sword True Person, and unabashedly said that he wanted to take Heavenly Sword True Person as his goal and become such a peerless swordsman in the future.
The group all nodded with smiles.
Everyone had seen Zhuang Chen’s talent with their own eyes, especially in Sword Dao.
He impromptu demonstrated a set of sword technique, full of spirituality. It was clearly the same sword technique, but it had a mysterious charm. At such a young age, he already had the demeanor of a grandmaster, which made Luo Wentian and the others unable to hide their amazement, praising that innate Sword Bone was indeed extraordinary.
Ning Qi chuckled lightly.
If Zhuang Chen persisted, the Heavenly Human Realm would be a natural progression. With such talent, becoming a generation Sword Saint was not impossible, especially after the Sword Bone broke and was reforged, even more so.
Happy times are always short.
The numerous senior brothers gathered until late at night before reluctantly parting.
Ning Qi saw them off, pointing to the Enlightenment Tea Tree seedling that was already as tall as a calf and said:
“If everything goes smoothly next year, perhaps we can drink Enlightenment Tea.”
The congregation’s eyes all lit up, extremely expectant.
“Little Nine, rest assured, for this cup of Enlightenment Tea from you, we must help you find more secrets of Martial Saints!” The congregation patted their chests in promise, all rubbing their fists eagerly.
Ye Qinghe also said:
“I’ll go to that town again, see if I can learn more from that blind old gentleman.”
Ning Qi did not dissuade her. He could not say that he had already been to the town and that old gentleman might have left.
He just nodded with a smile.
Zhuang Chen listened, and secretly kept it in mind. If he had related information in the future, he would definitely tell Ning Qi immediately. He always remembered Ning Qi’s kindness to him.
Watching the congregation leave, Ning Qi’s lips curved in a smile, his heart peaceful. Getting along with his senior brothers and senior sisters always made him more relaxed.
The slight influence from the recent series of killings completely dissipated.
…
After the True Martial Peach Gathering.
Several True Disciples successively went down the mountain for experience, which had gradually become their habit, especially Jiang Baishan, who was the first to eagerly go down the mountain and was teased by the congregation.
Ning Qi’s life returned to its former routine.
Cultivating methodically, reading scriptures and gaining enlightenment, while watering the Enlightenment Tea Tree, watching the seedling grow day by day, which had its own charm.
Ning Qi gained quite a few insights in this process.
But now.
He devoted a large part of his energy to creating the secret technique for condensing a Gang Qi clone.
After breaking through to the Jade Liquid Realm and sensing that the Gang Qi had gained some spirituality, Ning Qi had started having this thought. In fact, the Gang Qi clone he condensed now was already very strong.
At this moment.
Ning Qi pointed, and Gang Qi poured out from his body, instantly condensing into a fierce Thunder Tiger with ribs sprouting double wings. The Thunder Tiger had crackling electric light on its body, wings like blade edges, looking just like the real Thunder Tiger Beast King, only not as agile as the real Beast King.
No matter how spiritual the Gang Qi was, it still had limitations.
If only used for battle, this level was naturally sufficient.
But Ning Qi was not satisfied.
“Now, many forces are watching True Martial Mountain. The Demonic Sect and Southern Border Alliance are colossal entities. Even if they just divert some attention, we must respond carefully. Heavenly Sword True Person is hidden in the dark, but sooner or later will be forced out.”
“Although I can take his form to stand in, it’s ultimately not so reliable. If at certain times ‘Heavenly Sword True Person’ and I need to be present at the same time, it would be self-incriminating.”
Ning Qi was very clear-headed.
Especially since He Yan mentioned a few days ago that the Heavenly Human Ranking was about to update, which reminded him that if Heavenly Sword True Person made the list, it might bring trouble.
“Now, if the Gang Qi clone only simulates an exotic beast, it’s fine, but if it needs to condense into human form and be convincingly real for a period, it still needs more effort.”
Inspiration continuously rose in Ning Qi’s mind, like rivers flowing.
He pointed, and half the Jade Liquid Sea’s surface collapsed.
Vast and inconceivable Gang Qi condensed in the void, then stretched continuously, ultimately forming a human shape, then rapidly changing, condensing facial features and some human characteristics. With Ning Qi’s attainment in Body Shifting and Bone Changing Art, this was not difficult. He could even simulate human skin and bones with Gang Qi.
Looking at the elder before him, dressed in a Daoist Robe, with crane-like bones and immortal demeanor, Ning Qi fell into contemplation.
The elder’s pupils were indifferent, without much emotion, but most importantly, it was only superficial. Intense battle might cause it to collapse.
“Perhaps, it’s missing a core.”
Ning Qi’s eyes lit up.
He manipulated the Gang Qi, and a Core Elixir instantly condensed inside the ‘elder’. With the experience of Virtual Sword Core Disintegration Great Law, doing this was even easier for Ning Qi.
Ning Qi perceived carefully.
He could clearly feel that after the Core Elixir formed, this Gang Qi clone became much more solid.
“It still seems a bit off, but no big problem. If using Azure Profound Body Protection Technique to lock the Gang Qi, it can serve as defense and prevent the clone from collapsing!”
Ning Qi sat beside the Enlightenment Tea Tree, inspirations continuously rising in his mind.
The various secret techniques he had created in the past all surfaced, constantly drawing essences. The Daoist Scriptures he had read before also provided inspiration. Ning Qi constantly corrected the flaws in the Gang Qi clone, and the clone’s aura became increasingly powerful and stable.
“Using Gang Qi spirituality as the base, Body Shifting and Bone Changing Art as the form, Virtual Sword Core Disintegration Great Law as the core, and Azure Profound Body Protection Technique to stabilize it—this Formless Gang Body is complete!”
Ning Qi was immensely delighted.
A white-haired elder in a Daoist Robe sat opposite him, silent. If others saw from afar, they would think someone was playing chess with Ning Qi.
“Greetings, Fellow Daoist!” Ning Qi laughed and saluted.
But the elder remained silent, his gaze extremely indifferent.
Ning Qi was not surprised; he had not expected a response anyway.
This Gang Qi clone was just condensed from Gang Qi, not a truly intelligent clone. Just now, Ning Qi was just being playful.
“From the earlier test, the Formless Gang Body minimally requires 20% of my Gang Qi to condense, up to 80%. Strength varies, but even 20% Gang Qi is far beyond what other martial artists can match.”
Without a doubt.
This was another secret technique only Ning Qi himself could use. Others absolutely did not have such vast Gang Qi, not even Core Elixir Realm.
Ning Qi gently waved his hand.
The Gang Qi clone shot toward the distance like lightning. He perceived carefully; through the connection between Gang Qis, he could fully sense the clone’s specific situation and control it. Even sitting in Seeker’s Courtyard, Ning Qi could secretly control the Gang Qi clone to use Heavenly Sword Technique and other secret techniques.
This was the wonder of the Gang Qi clone—it could share the heaven and earth power under Ning Qi’s control.
Moments later.
The Gang Qi clone returned to Seeker’s Courtyard, and Ning Qi got the answer.
“If the clone is more than ten li away from me, it becomes hard to control and collapses. The optimal distance is five li.”
Ning Qi smiled and dispersed the Gang Qi clone.
Although the clone could not have his full strength, if more Gang Qi was expended, it could exert most of his power, sufficient for now.
After all, if it really came to a life-and-death juncture, he would not care about exposure.
He would just act personally then.
Having solved one problem, Ning Qi breathed a sigh of relief, somewhat satisfied. He lay back on the rattan chair, contentedly flipping through another Daoist Scripture.
…
Time passed.
In the scorching summer, Ning Qi had taken the third Blood Jade Pill, and his strength had risen several levels again.
Under the combined effect of Blood Jade Pill and Heaven and Earth Millstone Gang Tempering Method, his cultivation speed advanced by leaps and bounds. The Jade Liquid Sea expanded every moment, becoming deeper and more solid. Once it reached the extreme, it would begin condensing the Core Elixir.
Even Ning Qi himself was somewhat expectant. How powerful would he be after stepping into Core Elixir Realm? Perhaps few in the Heavenly Human Realm would be his match.
In his spare time from cultivation, Ning Qi also kept an eye on the movements of those Blood Rain Tower organizations from before. Some small fries had been left out earlier; to avoid exposing too much, Ning Qi had not eradicated them completely. Keeping them could help infer Southern Border Alliance’s movements.
But what puzzled him was.
Several months had passed without any action from Southern Border Alliance.
He did not know if they had not discovered the Fat and Thin Elders’ deaths, or if they had but were temporarily lying low.
Ning Qi just had Dragon Mountain Daoist keep an extra eye out; the rest could only follow its course. Actively probing would be self-incriminating, and they might be waiting for him to show up.
Staying put now was the better choice, just needing to heighten vigilance.
Speaking of Dragon Mountain Daoist.
He had been quite busy recently.
Not busy with his own cultivation, as progress in Heavenly Human Realm was slow. Even with Dragon Mountain Daoist’s exceptional talent, it required time to accumulate.
Dragon Mountain Daoist was busy teaching Zhuang Chen.
He finally experienced the joy of teaching a prodigy—one point leads to understanding, able to extrapolate from one example. That refreshing feeling went without saying, and more importantly, he could maintain his dignity as a senior elder, feeling delighted inside.
This reminded him of teaching Ning Qi back then.
That was simply too unbearable to recall.
Back then with Ning Qi, he kept suffering setbacks, unable to cope in a short time, feeling drained. Later, he could only do logistical work as much as possible.
Ning Qi was not a prodigy, he was a monster.
Sometimes, if a disciple’s talent was too low, it was bad, as teaching would infuriate oneself. But if too high, there was no sense of achievement. Zhuang Chen was just right.
Ning Qi visited once and saw his master’s enthusiastic appearance, unable to help smiling.
He knew his master had been somewhat stifled these years. Now with another clever disciple, he naturally wanted to impart everything.
Life at True Martial Mountain was peaceful and comfortable.
If possible, Ning Qi hoped it could continue like this until he was invincible in the world.
But unfortunately, things in the world always change, not as one wishes.
Fourth Disciple He Yan hurried back to True Martial Mountain overnight, bringing a bombshell message.
The Great Yan Heavenly Human Ranking had updated!
