Chapter 117: Return To The Mountain, Southern Frontier Saintess, Dao Companion
Ning Qi looked at the familiar True Martial Mountain, feeling a myriad of emotions in his heart.
This trip down the mountain had taken more than a month in total, and he had gained some insight into the state of Great Yan, though he still hadn’t left Qingzhou.
But for Ning Qi, there were no regrets. After going out, he actually felt that staying on True Martial Mountain was quite comfortable.
Completely unknown to everyone.
Ning Qi returned to True Martial Mountain.
He first went to see Dragon Mountain Daoist.
When Dragon Mountain Daoist saw Ning Qi, he was extremely excited.
Although before going down the mountain, Ning Qi had already shown him his strength, this trip still carried some danger, so he had been worried. If not for Ning Qi sending successive secret letters saying everything was going smoothly, he would have been unable to hold back and gone to help.
“Little Nine, was everything smooth on this trip?” Dragon Mountain Daoist couldn’t help but ask.
Although Ning Qi had already had someone escort Dong He back, he hadn’t mentioned many other details.
Ning Qi bowed respectfully, then smiled and said:
“Master, don’t be anxious. I’ll tell you slowly.”
He organized his thoughts.
Starting from the events in Canghe Prefecture City.
During which he disguised and shape-shifted into ‘Lei’ and Fat Elder, step by step luring them into the trap and wiping them all out.
Except for some secrets involving himself that he didn’t mention, Ning Qi told everything else in detail.
Dragon Mountain Daoist listened in stunned amazement, then his eyes filled with immense astonishment and emotion.
“I never imagined that your trip down the mountain this time would be so thrilling. It seems wise that you told me not to follow, otherwise I really would have dragged you down.”
Dragon Mountain Daoist felt a mix of sourness and pride.
His little disciple had grown too fast, now reaching a level where even he could only look up in admiration. This was a once-in-an-eternity prodigy; scanning through ancient history, there was no second such existence.
He thought that the only thing he could do for Ning Qi now was to handle the rear support well.
“I didn’t expect that Southern Border had quietly formed an alliance. Should we reveal this news to the Great Yan Dynasty?” Dragon Mountain Daoist then shook his head. “Better not to get involved in such muddy waters. With Great Yan’s foundation, it’s impossible they don’t know Southern Border has formed an alliance; they probably have countermeasures, and they might even know something about the Blood King Gu matter.”
“But one thing was quite a coincidence.” At this point, Dragon Mountain Daoist smiled.
“The two days you cleared out that Southern Border stronghold, I appeared in True Martial City. This way, True Martial Sect’s suspicion will be even smaller.”
Ning Qi also smiled.
This was an alibi.
Master and disciple talked about the events of this period. When Ning Qi shared his speculation about the True Martial Underground Palace, Dragon Mountain Daoist was also astonished. Previously, his ability had been insufficient; he had never gone underground to look.
“I hope the day comes when the True Martial Underground Palace reappears. I’ll keep a close eye on it. If it does, with Little Nine’s talent, you will surely obtain the complete inheritance!”
Thinking of this, Dragon Mountain Daoist became somewhat excited. His lifelong wish was to revitalize True Martial.
Ning Qi just smiled and nodded.
He then asked about the matter with Dong He.
Dragon Mountain Daoist slowly said:
“Before, when you had someone send Dong He up the mountain, I told them I had secretly found clues and caught him. In the end, I handed this Dong He over to Little Ten to handle.”
“That Dong He was quite glib-tongued, but Little Ten’s resolve was firm enough. He personally killed Dong He and took his head to pay respects at Divine Sword Brother’s tombstone.”
There was some satisfaction in his eyes.
Dragon Mountain Daoist was never some goody-goody. He had a chivalrous heart but was also decisive in killing. He didn’t think there was anything wrong with Zhuang Chen killing Dong He. If he couldn’t strike against such master-killing hatred, Dragon Mountain Daoist would have been disappointed in Zhuang Chen instead.
Ning Qi also nodded in approval.
After chatting with Dragon Mountain Daoist until late at night, Ning Qi returned to Seeker’s Courtyard.
White Ape was cultivating Ape King Strength.
His cultivation was growing deeper day by day, his bloodline constantly awakening. His current actual combat power was probably not inferior to Jiang Baishan and the others.
Ning Qi watched with a smile. He was very satisfied with White Ape because White Ape’s heart for the Dao was very firm. Although he was sometimes naughty and playful on ordinary days, he never slacked off when it was time to work hard. Perhaps he would accompany him for a long time in the future.
Moments later.
White Ape stood up. Seeing that familiar figure standing under the peach tree, he rubbed his eyes in confusion. Upon confirming it was indeed Ning Qi, joy burst from his eyes.
“Teacher!”
He bowed respectfully to Ning Qi, scratching his ears and cheeks.
His excitement was fully evident.
During this time without Ning Qi, he had been like someone who lost his backbone, his essence, qi, and spirit somewhat listless. Now, in an instant, he perked up.
Ning Qi smiled:
“I’m back.”
He hadn’t hidden his trip down the mountain from White Ape. Because they were together day and night, and every time he went into closed-door cultivation, White Ape would act as his protector, so naturally White Ape could sense whether he was in Seeker’s Courtyard.
The next day.
Ning Qi ’emerged from seclusion,’ and Seeker’s Courtyard became lively again.
Luo Wentian and the others all came upon hearing the news.
They chattered noisily about recent events.
Ning Qi felt this clamor and smiled faintly, his heart even more serene.
…
After returning to the mountain.
Ning Qi’s life returned to its former rhythm.
Reading scriptures, enlightenment, cultivation, nurturing the spiritual tree… These things filled his time, making his days very fulfilling, and Ning Qi liked this kind of life.
With the help of Blood Jade Pills, Ning Qi’s cultivation speed became even faster.
Every day, he could feel his strength growing stronger.
Jade Liquid Sea expanded a bit and deepened a bit with each passing day.
In the process of accumulating thickness for a breakthrough, Ning Qi’s strength was also growing at a speed unimaginable to ordinary people. He felt that after taking another five or six Blood Jade Pills, he might be able to compete with King Zhenbei.
Meanwhile, the True Profound Sect’s Daoist Scriptures were also being steadily digested. In another half year or so, they would all become part of his foundation.
Ning Qi was thinking whether to take the opportunity of the upcoming world Daoist Sect ranking to go look for White Mountain Old Daoist. That old man’s proposal made him increasingly tempted.
He truly felt that these classics had helped him greatly.
Myriad Manifestations True Gang drew from the strengths of ten thousand families, becoming ever more perfect.
Ning Qi gradually comprehended his own path. With his comprehension, he was to take the myriad Daos for his own use.
And the further along he went, the more he would need some references and spiritual insights, especially after the Heavenly Human Realm. The predecessors’ insights into heaven and earth would even help him more than some martial arts classics. Otherwise, relying solely on himself, though he could succeed, it would take more time.
For example, the Gang Qi clone he was currently studying.
Thanks to this accumulation, he already had multiple ways to use it.
And the Enlightenment Tea Tree was also growing extremely smoothly after sprouting. Now it was already as tall as Ning Qi’s small arm.
After thinking it over repeatedly, Ning Qi finally decided to turn his extra two Blood Jade Pills into pill liquid to nurture the Enlightenment Tea Tree.
He had originally planned to leave them as foundation for True Martial Sect.
But then he thought again.
Two Blood Jade Pills were too few. Giving them to any senior brother or senior sister would make him feel it wasn’t quite right.
Moreover, by the time his senior brothers and sisters could use Blood Jade Pills to boost their cultivation, it would probably be quite a while. After all, the medicinal power of Blood Jade Pills was quite strong. For Ning Qi, they could only accelerate cultivation, but for others, they needed to be taken cautiously.
By then, Ning Qi might have refined more pills more suitable for them.
Since that was the case, better to use them first to nurture the Enlightenment Tea Tree.
If the Enlightenment Tea Tree matured ahead of time, it would also be True Martial Sect’s foundation, and it could benefit everyone.
Under the boost of Blood Jade Pill liquid.
The Enlightenment Tea Tree’s growth became even more gratifying.
Ning Qi estimated that before next year’s True Martial Peach Gathering, he might be able to harvest a little Enlightenment Tea Leaves!
However.
This year’s True Martial Peach Gathering was also drawing ever closer.
All the true disciples were looking forward to it, especially Zhuang Chen. He had already heard Ye Qinghe mention True Martial Peach Gathering many times and was already drooling over this grand event.
…
Time slowly passed.
Just as everyone was anticipating the True Martial Peach Gathering.
A palace built on a mountaintop welcomed two martial artists with cold expressions and powerful auras.
One of them was an old woman, slightly hunched at the waist. The most striking thing was the two exotic snakes coiled around her neck, one blue and one purple, crystal clear like jade, like works of art. This old woman’s aura was very strong, stronger than the Thin Elder whom Ning Qi had killed before.
But she lagged half a step behind her companion.
That companion was a woman wearing a black veil over her face, her true appearance unclear, but her figure was enchanting. Just from her silhouette, one knew she must possess peerless beauty.
The two arrived stepping through the air.
They slowly approached.
The guards below the palace finally noticed them and shouted:
“Who are you?!”
The black-veiled woman walked forward as if she hadn’t heard, while the old woman gave a slight cold snort:
“Insolent! Is this how Thin Skin taught you about respect for superiors?”
She released her heaven and earth power. Just a bit of pressure made everyone spit blood and fly back. One by one, gazes of horror looked over, just in time to see a blood-colored token shoot over and embed itself in the palace pillar.
“If not for still needing to ask you things, just for your offense against the Saintess today, you should all die!” The old woman’s sinister voice made everyone’s hearts tremble.
Southern Border Saintess waved her hand slightly.
She sat at the main seat, her voice carrying a clear, cold, peerless tone, and said indifferently:
“Snake Granny, why bother them? Thin Elder isn’t here. Who can tell me where he went?”
Looking at that token.
Finally, someone reacted.
First shock and fear, then grief-stricken expressions, weeping and roaring:
“Saintess, you’ve finally come. Qingzhou… Qingzhou is finished! You… you must avenge us!”
Southern Border Saintess and Snake Granny exchanged a glance, both seeing the gravity in each other’s eyes.
Some time ago.
After Southern Border Alliance couldn’t contact the two elders through secret techniques, they finally realized something was wrong here. This time, the two came together to resolve the matter, originally holding some fluke mentality. Now it seemed the problem was no small one.
“Tell me in detail.” Southern Border Saintess’s voice grew even colder.
Moments later.
After hearing the subordinates’ account.
Southern Border Saintess’s voice showed no emotion.
“You mean Fat Elder and Thin Elder both vanished without a trace, suspected killed by someone. All Core Elixir Realm experts at that stronghold are dead, and you still don’t know who the culprit is, not even finding the slightest trace?”
The prostrating crowd all shuddered.
Someone tremblingly said:
“Saintess sees clearly. The force that struck was extremely cautious, erasing all traces. We subordinates wanted to report to the superiors as soon as possible, but… but we couldn’t contact the elders.”
They were truly wronged.
More than a month ago, they had already discovered the stronghold was wiped out. Not only the two elders, but even all those Core Elixir Realm experts were dead.
But they couldn’t find any trace of the culprit no matter what.
And they couldn’t contact Southern Border Alliance headquarters.
They were all anxious like ants on a hot pan.
Snake Granny sneered:
“Making excuses? A bunch of trash!”
With a wave of her hand, the one who spoke was smashed into blood mist. Everyone’s hearts pounded wildly. Southern Border Saintess slowly said:
“Granny, don’t be angry. Give them a chance to redeem themselves.”
“Thank you, Saintess!”
“Take us to that stronghold.”
She rose and departed stepping through the air. Snake Granny gave the crowd a cold glance, casually pointed at a few leaders, and dragged them along as they left.
…
One day later.
The stronghold Ning Qi had wiped out.
The group’s figures landed.
“Saintess, Snake Granny, this is the stronghold where Thin Elder and the others gathered that day. Before that day, Fat Elder suddenly sent a message, calling all Qingzhou leaders here. He said Blood Rain Tower’s ‘Lei’ had betrayed them and needed a thorough investigation…”
Someone slowly recounted the causes and effects.
Southern Border Saintess and Snake Granny stood side by side in the sky, overlooking. Southern Border Saintess frowned slightly and guessed:
“Could it be Fat Elder coveted the Blood King Gu and betrayed the alliance? The traces are wiped quite clean…”
Snake Granny slowly shook her head:
“Saintess, you may not know, that dead fatty was weak in strength but from the Black Orchid Tribe, his loyalty to the alliance is unquestionable. This matter likely has another twist. Perhaps someone used the dead fatty’s name to lure Thin Skin and the others, leading to their doom.”
At this point.
They no longer held any hope that Fat and Thin Elders were alive. Just from the known intelligence, this was clearly premeditated.
“Granny, is there a way to restore these traces?” Southern Border Saintess turned her head and asked. A breeze occasionally lifted the corner of her veil, revealing a fair, pointed chin, somewhat breathtaking.
Snake Granny smiled confidently:
“This attacker was cautious enough, wiping traces clean, but somewhat underestimated us Southern Border folk. Though I can’t fully restore them, tracing the power aura characteristics of the attacker is no problem.”
She landed amid the collapsed ruins.
She gently took the blue-jade-like exotic snake from her neck, kissed it, and then chanted rapid, eerie syllables from her mouth. Then, that blue exotic snake began an astonishing change. Its abdomen swelled, tiny snake eggs dropping one by one. In the blink of an eye, countless extremely small blue snakes surged out.
The blue mini-snakes shot out like lightning, spreading in all directions.
It made people shudder, scalps numb.
Snake Granny just closed her eyes and chanted incantations. The blue-jade exotic snake coiled on her palm, occasionally raising its head.
After the time for one incense stick.
The blue mini-snakes died, turning to powder.
Snake Granny began listening to the blue-jade exotic snake’s hissing sounds. Moments later, she raised her head and smiled confidently:
“Saintess, found it.”
Joy appeared in Southern Border Saintess’s eyes. She thought luckily she had brought Snake Granny this time, with her unique secret technique to track enemy traces, otherwise more time would be wasted.
“Snake Granny, who did it?”
Snake Granny said:
“There are traces of battle between two Heavenly Human Realm experts on the scene. One is Thin Skin, and the other is an expert skilled in using poisonous power. His strength is much greater than Thin Skin’s!”
She began mobilizing heaven and earth power. Groups of green mist formed beside her, identical in form to what Elder Wang and Ning Qi used. If Ning Qi were here, he would be astonished at how many strange people there were in the world.
However, Snake Granny’s simulation had only the form; the power essence was completely different.
“Its power manifestation should be like this.”
Southern Border Saintess’s eyes sharpened:
“Just one person wiped out everyone?”
Snake Granny slowly nodded:
“That’s right. It seems unbelievable, but not hard to understand. This person or force first captured the dead fatty with some method, then used his name to lure Thin Skin and the others, then struck when they were unprepared. If so, it could totally be done.”
“The rest were like ants before him.”
Southern Border Saintess’s gaze was profound:
“It should be like that. I’ve checked before; the Blood King Gu’s aura has completely vanished. This attacker was likely after the Blood King Gu, though other possibilities aren’t ruled out.”
She looked at the kneeling person in charge, her voice like eternal unmelted ice:
“Within Great Yan, are there experts using this kind of power? You have three days. If you can’t find out, no need to see me. Also, gather intelligence on all forces under our organizations that have been involved during this time!”
The crowd was like granted amnesty and hurriedly responded:
“Yes, Saintess!”
…
One day later.
Southern Border Saintess sat at a desk, flipping through the collected intelligence, while Snake Granny sipped tea nearby, teasing her two exotic snakes.
“Saintess, how is it?” Snake Granny asked.
Southern Border Saintess looked up, rubbing her brow slightly:
“Now it seems two forces are suspect.”
“Which two?”
“First, the Demonic Sect!”
At these two words, Southern Border Saintess and Snake Granny’s expressions both grew grave.
Even in Southern Border, they knew the name of Demonic Sect. This force had repeatedly revived from the ashes under Great Yan’s suppression over the years, showing how tenacious it was.
“The poisonous power you traced before appeared last year. Demonic Sect’s five Heavenly Human experts attacked Qingzhou’s True Martial Sect, and one used exactly this power.”
Southern Border Saintess detailed what happened at True Martial Mountain back then.
“A Heavenly Human Realm expert’s power essence can’t be changed unless dual-cultivating. Since we traced it, it’s likely him. He escaped from Ninth on the Heavenly Human Ranking, King Zhenbei, so he certainly has the strength to kill Thin Skin!”
“Even possibly more than one in Demonic Sect dual-cultivates this power, making them even more suspect!”
Snake Granny’s voice gradually filled with killing intent.
“Perhaps this damned Demonic Sect coveted our nurtured Blood King Gu and struck suddenly. According to your account, Saintess, Demonic Sect suffered repeated setbacks at Great Yan’s hands before, losing several Heavenly Human Realm experts.”
Southern Border Saintess nodded, agreeing.
She also felt Demonic Sect was the most likely.
“What about the other suspect force?”
“Second is True Martial Sect.” Southern Border Saintess said.
“True Martial Sect? The one attacked by Demonic Sect?”
“Yes. I reviewed sects in conflict with our subordinates recently. A few months ago, Divine Sword Sect was destroyed by Zhao Dong and others, then Divine Sword Sect’s sect master, Divine Sword Elder, fled to True Martial Sect with his young disciple. Given Dragon Mountain True Person and Divine Sword Elder’s relationship, True Martial Sect has motive to act. They had previously sent people to investigate the blood pool matter.”
“Dragon Mountain True Person’s strength may not suffice, but True Martial Sect also has Heavenly Sword True Person.”
Snake Granny hesitated slightly:
“But isn’t Heavenly Sword True Person a swordsman? His power is completely opposite to the attack traces.”
“Saintess, do you think Demonic Sect might be framing True Martial Sect to make us their spear? Demonic Sect wanted to destroy True Martial Sect before.”
Southern Border Saintess slowly nodded:
“I’ve considered that possibility. Currently, Demonic Sect is the prime suspect, but we can’t completely ignore True Martial Sect.”
Snake Granny smiled and nodded.
“You’re always the most prudent, Saintess.”
Appreciation showed in her eyes.
Actually, at this point, it was nine out of ten Demonic Sect, but as a leader, one couldn’t act rashly. Not even overlooking the slightest possibility—that was a qualified leader.
“If there’s a chance to see Heavenly Sword True Person in action, let me observe his power essence up close. That should confirm it more.”
Snake Granny added.
A swordsman and poisonous power together seemed far-fetched, but swordsmen skilled in poison swords weren’t unheard of. Everything needed to be seen with her own eyes. If she could witness it personally, whether Heavenly Sword True Person used poisonous power would be clear.
Southern Border Saintess slowly stood, sighing lightly:
“I only hope nurturing the Blood Emperor Gu goes smoothly. The world will soon be unstable; our Southern Border must advance courageously. Losing two Blood King Gu this time means we can only hurry to find replacements in the south, or if not, go deep into the great mountains…”
“This time, I’ll have to trouble Granny to sit in Qingzhou with me. If it’s really Demonic Sect, we can’t just swallow this loss.”
The Saintess’s fine brows furrowed slightly, revealing killing intent.
…
Southern Border Alliance finally reacted.
But current True Martial Sect was unaware of all this. Dragon Mountain Daoist hadn’t had anyone watch, as that would seem like giving oneself away. Pretending nothing happened might be better, and investigating after some time would be more appropriate.
At this moment in Seeker’s Courtyard.
The atmosphere was lively.
Another year of True Martial Peach Gathering.
Everyone raised their cups in celebration:
“Come, let’s raise our cups together to welcome Little Ten’s joining!”
“This cup, to Little Ten!”
Everyone laughed heartily from the heart. Zhuang Chen’s chubby little face was flushed, both from the wine and excitement. Warmth surged in his heart:
“Senior brothers and sisters, I’ll drink first as respect!”
Everything was in the wine.
Saying more would seem pretentious.
Smiles played on everyone’s faces. During this time together, they also liked Zhuang Chen’s personality—unpretentious, often grinning foolishly. He used to be overly fat, but after cultivating the improved Dreaming Gluttony Ning Qi taught him, he had slimmed down a lot, though still a little fatty.
By rights, Zhuang Chen shouldn’t be fat; he just loved to eat.
Zhuang Chen’s progress in Ya Zi Stance was very fast. He was inherently a peerless genius with innate Sword Bone. Now with Sword Bone broken and reformed, recultivated once more, his foundation was even more solid.
“Third Senior Sister’s wine is really good!” Zhuang Chen praised generously.
Ye Qinghe laughed:
“Little Ten knows how to talk.”
Everyone just smiled, but to be fair, this year’s Peach Blossom Wine brewed by Ye Qinghe had improved again. Though they couldn’t quite tell if it was her brewing skill that advanced or better materials.
Everyone gnawed on True Martial Peach Fruits in hand, finding them exceptionally sweet.
Especially Zhuang Chen, now recultivating Body Tempering Realm. These peach fruits helped him even more; he showed off by eating several in a row.
This was already the second year borrowing Bright Fruit for nurturing. Plus Ning Qi had moved the peach tree position to activate the Enlightenment Tea Tree seed. Now with the tea tree sprouted and giving back nourishment, the peach fruits were naturally better than before.
Everyone chatted freely.
Zhuang Chen basked in this relaxed, pleasant atmosphere, grinning foolishly all along.
Ning Qi also listened as his senior brothers and sisters shared amusing stories.
Ye Qinghe grinned slyly:
“I’ll tell you something you’re sure to be interested in. Once I caught Little Five secretly writing a love letter! This guy must have a girl he fancies and is hiding it from us!”
At these words.
Jiang Baishan’s face instantly reddened, while the others burst into laughter, extremely interested.
Come to think of it, all the current true disciples were single, none with a Dao companion. True Martial Sect was a Daoist Sect but allowed Dao companions. Unfortunately, they weren’t motivated in that regard. Now hearing Jiang Baishan might be the pioneer, everyone’s eyes lit up.
Jiang Baishan waved his hands repeatedly, face red:
“Don’t listen to Third Senior Sister’s nonsense. I was writing to a friend!”
“Tch, just say if that friend is a girl? Who sneaks into Little Nine’s courtyard to pick a peach blossom for a friend’s letter? Little Five, you don’t fancy men, do you?”
Luo Wentian timely added fuel:
“Tsk tsk, not that fierce woman who wanted to chop off Little Five’s shoulder before, right? Then you’re in for it, to be henpecked to death!”
Everyone laughed even more merrily.
Jiang Baishan smiled bitterly, pleading repeatedly. Only after downing several cups did they let him off.
But they didn’t press further; it was just joking. They knew if it was time to say, Jiang Baishan wouldn’t hide it from them.
Ning Qi listened with a cheerful smile.
He had no excessive thoughts about Dao companions for now. He was still young, and might not even have one later. If he did, it had to be someone who could truly pursue the Great Dao with him.
