Chapter 142: All Reap Gains, The Blade Demon Emerges From Seclusion
Enlightenment Tea entered his belly.
Ning Qi immediately felt a wave of warmth surge through him. The exotic fragrance suddenly burst forth, dense a hundred times over. It wasn’t just his body; even his spirit was immersed in this tea scent.
In an instant.
Streams of spiritual insight gushed forth like a spring.
Ning Qi entered a state of ‘pseudo-enlightenment’.
This sensation was, of course, very pleasant.
But Ning Qi’s expression was somewhat strange.
“This… isn’t this just my normal state when I enlighten normally?”
At this moment.
He finally understood the effect of Enlightenment Tea. It brought the drinker’s mental state into a special realm, thereby achieving a state of ‘pseudo-enlightenment’. But the problem was, even without drinking the tea, Ning Qi could enter this state at any time.
Even the ‘enlightenment’ state that ordinary people dreamed of, Ning Qi entered frequently. Though not as effortless as eating or drinking, whenever he was in good condition and had accumulated too much spiritual insight, he would naturally achieve ‘enlightenment’.
Ning Qi shook his head with a wry smile.
He realized that the Enlightenment Tea before him truly had no use for him.
He had long been mentally prepared, so he wasn’t disappointed. Instead, he simply savored the taste of the Enlightenment Tea carefully. Setting aside its enlightening effect, it was itself an unparalleled treasure among teas.
“However, Enlightenment Tea is useless now, but that doesn’t mean it will be useless in the future. If we continue nurturing the Enlightenment Tea Tree and keep optimizing it, perhaps the tea produced in the future can truly bring people into an enlightenment state!”
Ning Qi felt a bit of anticipation. If they could reach that step, it would still be somewhat helpful to him.
As for whether it could succeed.
He had confidence in himself.
Even ordinary peach trees had been gradually nurtured by him into exotic treasures. Elevating the Enlightenment Tea Tree another level naturally held hope. From now on, he would continue researching in this direction.
He leisurely sipped his tea, chuckling as he watched the other senior brothers.
To Ning Qi, this Enlightenment Tea was just for tasting, but to them, it was a heaven-sent opportunity.
At this moment.
One by one, they entered the ‘pseudo-enlightenment’ state. Countless streams of spiritual insight emerged, and their daily accumulations all erupted in this moment.
First was Luo Wentian.
He had a Thunder Tiger fake core implanted by Ning Qi in his body. He had been carefully comprehending it daily and already had some insights and foundation in the Way of Thunder. Now, under the effect of Enlightenment Tea, his control over the fake core advanced by leaps and bounds—nearly a breath’s worth every moment. In a short time, it equaled a month’s effort from before.
Not only that, as his comprehension of the fake core deepened, he gained new insights into cultivating to the Gang Yuan Realm, even learning some secrets of the Core Elixir Realm ahead of time.
He sat cross-legged, afraid to waste even a bit of this opportunity.
Next was Jiang Baishan.
He was the first among the congregation to step into the White Mist Realm, and without relying on Condensing Gang Pills. Over several years of cultivation, with Ning Qi’s help, he had progressed by leaps and bounds. Now, with the boost of Enlightenment Tea, he gained a completely new understanding of the Jade Liquid Realm.
Then there was Zhuang Chen.
Born with Sword Bone and exceptional comprehension, after breaking and then rebuilding, his talent had risen another level. After these days of recultivation, he was about to recon dense inner strength and step into the Inner Yuan Realm again, with an even more solid foundation than before. Now, spiritual insights flashed in his mind, allowing him to eagerly resolve some past sword Dao puzzles he couldn’t figure out.
The others had varied expressions.
All had tremendous gains.
One by one, the senior brothers either sat cross-legged, brandished swords in dance, or unleashed fist winds through the air. All were undergoing a massive eruption of foundation under the effect of Enlightenment Tea. Even in the ‘pseudo-enlightenment’ state, it was something they sought but could not obtain.
Not everyone was a prodigy like Ning Qi.
This state lasted until two hours later.
The effect of Enlightenment Tea dissipated.
The congregation all jolted awake almost simultaneously, gradually coming to their senses. Their eyes were filled with thick reluctance and loss. The earlier state had been too good—too good—making them unable to help wanting to stay in that wondrous enlightenment realm forever.
In just two short hours, they had gained immensely.
Past puzzles they couldn’t solve were now resolved effortlessly, bottlenecks all shattered. Perhaps for now, Enlightenment Tea hadn’t increased their cultivation, but it had made their future path far simpler. They could advance smoothly next.
With just a little time, their cultivation would usher in explosive growth.
All eyes held astonishment.
“Little Nine, this Enlightenment Tea is truly unparalleled!” Luo Wentian couldn’t help praising. His strength had improved the most among the congregation, thanks to the fake core. He no longer needed to spend time accumulating. He felt that if he activated the fake core now, he would absolutely be among the top-tier experts in the Core Elixir Realm.
“Yeah, it’s truly unimaginable. If I could drink Enlightenment Tea every day and constantly enter that magical enlightenment realm, how great that would be!” Ye Qinghe said, her eyes filled with longing.
The congregation all showed reminiscence in their eyes.
That near-enlightenment state was truly wonderful.
They joyfully and excitedly shared their earlier gains.
Ning Qi just smiled faintly.
He shattered Ye Qinghe’s ‘beautiful dream’:
“Even if I gave you Enlightenment Tea every day, it wouldn’t always have this effect.”
Ye Qinghe was stunned:
“Does this Enlightenment Tea have drug resistance?”
Some spiritual fruits were indeed like that—the more you ate, the weaker the effect.
Jiang Baishan said thoughtfully:
“It shouldn’t be. Little Nine means our accumulation isn’t enough.”
“This time, drinking Enlightenment Tea had such a pronounced effect because we’ve accumulated for so long beforehand. If we drink it again soon, even if it brings us back into that magical enlightenment realm, accumulation doesn’t come from nowhere, so the effect would weaken greatly.”
Ning Qi smiled and nodded.
“Exactly so.”
Why did he frequently read Daoist Scriptures, classics, and miscellaneous studies?
It was to accumulate his own foundation, providing nourishment when he enlightened. But his speed of accumulating foundation was obviously much faster than ordinary people—something unimaginable to most.
He spread his hands again:
“But even if you accumulate enough, there’s no more Enlightenment Tea to drink. This first year only produced this much, and we still need to leave some for Master. Otherwise, us ‘unfilial disciples’ will be expelled from the sect.”
The congregation looked at the bare treetop of the Enlightenment Tea Tree and all burst into hearty laughter.
“Accumulate well for a year, drink again next year. I’ll leave you something to look forward to.”
Ning Qi smiled.
Next year’s yield should be more, enough to share a bit with everyone then.
But Jiang Baishan’s gaze dimmed. Next year… he wouldn’t be able to drink it.
Luo Wentian patted his shoulder and grinned.
Jiang Baishan saw the encouragement in his senior brother’s eyes. The corners of his mouth gradually curved into a smile, and he nodded heavily. Everything was unspoken.
“Fifth Senior Brother, take care.”
Ning Qi watched the departing backs of the congregation, sighing softly in his heart.
He had done what he could. The rest was up to fate.
The next day.
Jiang Baishan and Lin Ruhua quietly descended the mountain without alarming anyone, leaving only a letter.
At the foot of the mountain.
Jiang Baishan turned to gaze at True Martial Mountain piercing the clouds, grief-stricken beyond measure. Tears streamed down his face uncontrollably. He knelt toward True Martial Mountain, kowtowing three times respectfully. Lin Ruhua watched and sighed softly, pulling him into her embrace. In their brief days together, she fully understood Jiang Baishan’s feelings.
“Let’s go.” Jiang Baishan’s voice was low.
He only hated his own insufficient strength.
If he could be as powerful as the Great Yan Martial Saint, he could deal with the rest of the Demonic Sect himself, without facing such a choice. He felt an unprecedented thirst for strength.
Moments later.
A soft sigh rang out.
Dragon Mountain Daoist’s figure stepped forth.
As a Heavenly Human Realm expert, how could Jiang Baishan leave without alerting him?
Gazing at Jiang Baishan’s receding figure, his face was full of complexity. If possible, how could he let his disciple flee far away? This departure—who knew if they would ever meet again.
Ning Qi also stepped out, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Dragon Mountain Daoist, watching the two distant figures.
He comforted:
“Master, don’t worry. I gave Fifth Senior Brother and the others some things for self-defense. Their safety won’t be an issue. It’s just a brief parting. Once things are resolved, they’ll naturally meet again.”
Dragon Mountain Daoist nodded slowly, gradually suppressing the sorrow in his heart.
Next.
They needed to find a way to survive this crisis.
…
Next.
Ning Qi’s life returned to calm and regularity, though the lurking threats from the Demonic Sect and Southern Border gave him even more drive.
But haste was useless. Striving to grow stronger was paramount.
Each day, besides routine spirit tempering.
Ning Qi enlightened and read scriptures. He would occasionally take out the silver pages left by Wu Jianghe to study and deduce various possibilities of the Martial Saint Method. On one hand, it was preparation for later; on the other, it was to understand the Martial Saint as much as possible, making responses easier.
Additionally.
He was perfecting various secret techniques to maximize his combat power.
He placed great importance on the Azure Profound Body Protection Technique, this defensive secret technique.
Previously in battles, the gap was huge—mostly him suppressing and instantly killing foes. The Azure Profound Body Protection Technique had only activated against High Heavens thunder. But this time was different. If truly facing a Martial Saint, a body protection secret technique was crucial. It might turn defeat into victory at a key moment.
Ning Qi drew essence from the many classics in Sword Asking Pavilion, hoping to combine it with his sword intent to advance the Azure Profound Body Protection Technique further.
After all, among the many paths he mastered, sword Dao was the strongest.
Swords weren’t just for killing; combined with other paths, they could also defend.
Time passed day by day.
Until this day.
Chen Xing returned from the Northern Barbarians. She brought King Zhenbei’s reply—and also brought a person: Divine Feather Great General.
In True Martial Grand Hall.
Dragon Mountain Daoist and Luo Wentian received the two.
“Greetings, Senior Chen Xing, Divine Feather Great General.” Luo Wentian was very courteous.
These two—one a Heavenly Human expert from King Zhenbei’s Manor, the other a Heavenly Human Ranking powerhouse. If not for being True Martial Sect Sect Leader now, he truly wouldn’t qualify to stand here conversing with them.
But Divine Feather Great General smiled and returned the courtesy:
“Sect Leader Luo is too polite.”
“True Person, I hope you’ve been well.”
Dragon Mountain Daoist smiled faintly:
“Divine Feather Great General remains as impressive as ever. I still remember Great General slaying Old Demon Lin. In the blink of an eye, over two years have passed.”
He remembered two years ago, Divine Feather Great General had been high above them. Though no hostility toward True Martial Sect was shown, their statuses weren’t equal. Now, visiting True Martial Mountain again, Divine Feather Great General was extremely courteous.
He naturally knew why.
Heavenly Sword True Person’s prestige was now too great.
Divine Feather Great General smiled wryly and waved:
“True Person, don’t mock me. If Heavenly Sword True Person hadn’t refused to act back then, where would I have had a chance to claim merit?”
He had once thought Heavenly Sword True Person inferior to him, but repeated facts proved he was the frog in the well. Especially after a conversation with General Yanwu, he learned of Heavenly Sword True Person’s extraordinary nature. Now, he regarded True Martial Sect with great importance.
The congregation all smiled.
Then Dragon Mountain Daoist turned his expectant gaze to Chen Xing.
Chen Xing didn’t hesitate and took out a secret letter:
“True Person, the Prince already knows all matters. He attaches great importance and has informed His Majesty. Divine Feather Great General and I came precisely for this.”
Dragon Mountain Daoist wasn’t surprised.
Seeing Divine Feather Great General arrive had already told him.
He opened the secret letter.
His brows gradually relaxed.
Ever since learning the Demonic Sect and Southern Border were plotting to achieve Martial Saint, a haze had lingered in his heart. Now, it finally eased somewhat. At least True Martial Sect wouldn’t have to face these alone; they had a powerful backer.
Whether for Li Ling’s sake or the Great Yan World’s, King Zhenbei wouldn’t stand idly by.
But lately, the Northern Barbarians had stirred again, requiring him to hold the line there, so he reported to the Imperial Court.
The letter had two main points.
First, the Great Yan Dynasty would fully obstruct the Demonic Sect and Southern Border’s plot to achieve Martial Saint, doing everything to strangle their plan in the cradle.
Second, regarding True Martial Sect’s safety: Divine Feather Great General had recently been assigned to guard Qingzhou, but now he took a further step, rooting in the city closest to True Martial Sect. Thus, if anything happened, Divine Feather Great General and his army of experts could rush over immediately.
They also needed to guard against minor moves by the Demonic Sect and Southern Border; thinking couldn’t be limited to threats from Martial Saints.
After reading the secret letter.
Dragon Mountain Daoist thanked solemnly:
“Divine Feather Great General, we’ll have to trouble you much from now on.”
Divine Feather Great General’s expression turned serious, and he waved:
“True Person is too polite. The Demonic Sect and Southern Border have wolf’s ambitions, allying to subvert our Great Yan. Naturally, I won’t stand by. True Person, rest assured—their plan won’t succeed easily.”
He remembered General Yanwu’s instructions: make True Martial Sect shift attitude and stand with the court as much as possible. He had thought it difficult, planning to seek opportunities slowly. Unexpectedly, the Demonic Sect and Southern Border had forced True Martial Sect over.
However.
The Demonic Sect and Southern Border plotting to achieve Martial Saint also startled him.
After all, General Yanwu’s attitude had been inscrutable. He didn’t know if the Great Yan Martial Saint could step up at the key moment. Though he stood at the peak of the Great Yan Dynasty, some core secrets were still beyond his reach.
As he pondered.
Luo Wentian also finished reading the secret letter and asked:
“May I ask, Great General, if the Demonic Sect and Southern Border truly produce a Martial Saint, how should our True Martial Sect respond?”
The implication was clear.
Only a Martial Saint could deal with a Martial Saint.
Anyone else facing one had only death.
Divine Feather Great General’s heart tightened, but he knew he couldn’t show any timidity.
He said calmly:
“If that day comes, someone will handle it. Rest assured. Since I’m guarding here, I’ll advance and retreat together with True Martial Sect, no matter what.”
His words were resolute.
Luo Wentian apologized softly.
Dragon Mountain Daoist smiled and glossed over it. He said:
“If not absolutely necessary, better not to let it come to that. Rather than waiting for Demonic Sect and Southern Border Martial Saints to be born and come knocking, better to strangle it at the source. Great General surely knows True Martial Sect offended Southern Border over the Blood King Gu matter. We can investigate from there.”
Regardless of whether the Great Yan Martial Saint would act, he couldn’t gamble True Martial Sect’s safety on the Great Yan Martial Saint blocking the other two Martial Saints at the key moment.
Better to prevent those two Martial Saints from being born.
Divine Feather Great General nodded seriously:
“True Person, rest assured. The court has already launched actions. Secret agents in the Thirteen Provinces of the world are probing covertly. No matter how deeply Southern Border hides, they can’t conceal everything. Daring to commit such dirty deeds on Great Yan soil must be severely punished!”
Killing intent flashed in his eyes.
He continued:
“As for the Demonic Sect’s secret technique for achieving Martial Saint, we have some clues. It may involve exotic beast inner cores. Southern Border backs onto Hundred Thousand Mountains and knows the situation inside well, making exotic beast inner cores easy to obtain. Perhaps that’s the fundamental reason for their alliance.”
A strange light appeared in Dragon Mountain Daoist’s eyes.
The Great Yan Dynasty was still probing Southern Border, but they had already gotten news on the Demonic Sect’s Martial Saint secret technique so quickly. That meant the court had many informants in the Demonic Sect.
After years of struggle.
Mutual infiltration between Great Yan and the Demonic Sect was inevitable.
Thinking this, Dragon Mountain Daoist grew more cautious, knowing he couldn’t trust the court completely—lest he be sold out by Demonic Sect traitors without knowing.
The four discussed many details.
All regarding upcoming actions—exchanging information.
Seeing off Chen Xing and Divine Feather Great General.
Dragon Mountain Daoist and Luo Wentian both breathed a sigh of relief, then immediately told Ning Qi the news.
Ning Qi also relaxed somewhat.
With Great Yan intervening, the pressure was much less.
Even if they couldn’t fully stop the Demonic Sect and Southern Border from producing Martial Saints, they could at least greatly delay their steps, buying him ample time. If they couldn’t even buy half a year, the Great Yan Dynasty would be too incompetent.
Ning Qi didn’t think the Great Yan Dynasty had only that much capability. Since they were willing to intervene, perhaps he wouldn’t even need to act in the end.
But he wouldn’t harbor illusions or pin hopes on others.
In the following days.
Ning Qi continued cultivating.
The waves from Heavenly Sword True Person slaying Heart-Seeking Sword had gradually faded. The martial world never lacked fresh news, and Ning Qi was glad for it. Too many eyes on Heavenly Sword True Person wasn’t good.
But soon.
An event shook the world again, drawing much attention.
Blade Demon, ranked third on the Heavenly Human Ranking, had emerged!
