Chapter 182: Many Secrets
White Mountain Old Daoist still couldn’t figure it out.
How exactly did Ning Qi achieve it? At eleven years old, he could reach Heavenly Human Perfection. Not only that, he could even control the Martial Saint Secret Treasure, using spiritual power so skillfully that it was in no way inferior to these old guys like them.
He had no doubt that once spiritual energy revival happened and they had the method, Ning Qi could easily step into the Martial Saint Realm.
“From ancient times to the present, I’ve never seen such a prodigy. What a pity, what a shame. If he could have appeared earlier, perhaps everything would have changed.” He sighed lightly in his heart.
Ning Qi slowly nodded, his eyes showing sudden realization.
“So that’s how it is. What you want to prevent are Martial Saints born through their own cultivation, not those born relying on external forces. In other words, Martial Saints born relying on external forces cannot pose some kind of threat to you?” Ning Qi turned his head to look.
White Mountain Old Daoist showed a bitter smile:
“You kid, trying to trick me into talking again.”
Ning Qi pursed his lips:
“Fine, I won’t ask. Then telling me when the so-called spiritual energy revival will happen shouldn’t be a problem, right?”
White Mountain Old Daoist breathed a sigh of relief:
“That’s no problem. There’s about a year left. Spiritual energy will fully revive and erupt, then reach its peak for a period of time. At that time, many wondrous changes will occur between heaven and earth. It’s an opportunity that’s rare to come by.”
“If you can obtain the Martial Saint Method in advance, you can take advantage to directly enter the Martial Saint Realm. Due to some pact, I can’t give you the Martial Saint Method directly, but someone can.”
Ning Qi’s gaze flickered slightly:
“Who?”
White Mountain Old Daoist smiled:
“Your True Martial Inheritance.”
Ning Qi’s spirits lifted. In an instant, he thought of many things. Back then, Dragon Mountain Daoist had told him about the location of the underground palace where the True Martial Inheritance was obtained, and he had personally gone to check it out, but only found some traces.
White Mountain Old Daoist continued:
“Your True Martial Inheritance is quite extraordinary. If you can use such a Martial Saint Method to build your foundation, and catch the opportunity of spiritual energy revival, you might have hope of soaring to the heavens.”
There was some expectation in his eyes.
After Ning Qi made his move, he was already certain that Ning Qi was not a backup planted by that old turtle, just purely lucky. This made him a bit jealous. What great luck. If he himself returned from reincarnation and found such a peerless prodigy who shook the ancients and dazzled the present in True Profound Sect, his mouth would probably grin from ear to ear.
Ning Qi asked:
“Where is it?”
White Mountain Old Daoist looked toward the mountain outside:
“We don’t know for now, but the old turtle will also emerge soon. Since your master obtained part of the True Martial Inheritance back then, he must know where True Martial Hall is. Before spiritual energy revival, True Martial Hall will definitely reappear. You just need to go there at once.”
Ning Qi nodded seriously. He didn’t know who the old turtle White Mountain Old Daoist mentioned was, but it was probably the ancient saint at the source of the True Martial Inheritance, or related to it.
He felt some anticipation.
Although he was absolutely confident he could create a method to break through to the Martial Saint Realm himself, having a reference would naturally be better. However, he wouldn’t pin all his hopes on it. He secretly made up his mind that after returning to the mountain this time, he would fully research the Martial Saint Method.
Originally, he planned to go down the mountain to travel and investigate the secrets behind the changes in heaven and earth, but now from White Mountain Old Daoist’s attitude, it seemed he basically had no way to learn the truth.
The only method was to step into the Martial Saint Realm himself.
“Spiritual energy revival is an important node. Those ancient saints will probably all take advantage to soar to the heavens and gradually recover their former realms. They probably can’t be compared to ordinary Martial Saints. If I want to catch up to them or even surpass them, I need to continuously strengthen my foundation before spiritual energy revival.” A surge of drive rose in Ning Qi’s heart.
Only by seeing the vastness of heaven and earth did he know his own smallness.
“Thanks.” Ning Qi thanked him seriously.
White Mountain Old Daoist immediately grinned, feeling refreshed:
“It’s really not easy to hear this from you, kid. It wasn’t in vain for this old Daoist to talk so much.”
Ning Qi just gave him a slight sideways glance.
However, although he now knew many secrets, the most fundamental problem hadn’t been solved. He still didn’t know what the source of the great terror hidden in heaven and earth was. From White Mountain Old Daoist’s vague attitude, it seemed it might not affect promotion to Martial Saint Realm, but there would probably be some hidden danger.
If possible, Ning Qi still wanted to resolve it.
But he didn’t continue talking about it, just planning to try secretly himself.
The two had unknowingly stepped out of the Scripture Repository.
In the distance.
Many guests were already starting to bid farewell to the three True Persons of True Profound Sect.
What they experienced today truly refreshed their worldview. Only now did they realize that so many ancient saints hadn’t ascended, but had lived to the present through various means. Today’s melee among several ancient saints might just be the beginning. It was foreseeable that a new era was coming, and the world was about to face a great upheaval.
They couldn’t wait to pass on today’s events.
White Mountain Old Daoist clasped his hands behind his back, looking into the distance, somewhat emotional:
“After today, the world is going to change.”
Ning Qi was silent.
With the ancient saints returning, no matter for what reason, at least the current state would dissatisfy some ancient saints, inevitably leading to disputes and a redivision of interests.
He asked:
“You said before that Martial Saints have a lifespan of only three thousand years. How did you live to the present?”
White Mountain Old Daoist was somewhat silent, his gaze slightly complex. Only after a long time did he sigh:
“Each has their own methods, such as reincarnation, self-sealing, or bloodline inheritance. Perhaps there are other ways, but these three are the mainstream.”
“But no matter which method, they all have flaws. Unless forced, who would be willing? True Profound is not True Profound, White Mountain is not White Mountain. Who knows who I am now?”
That light sigh made Ning Qi’s heart sink too.
He heard the slight confusion in it and understood the hidden dangers.
Ning Qi said solemnly:
“Whether True Profound or White Mountain, as long as the original intent is not forgotten, it’s fine.”
White Mountain Old Daoist was willing to tell him so much, clearly with intent to guide. As for why, he had some guesses.
White Mountain Old Daoist was stunned, then laughed relievedly:
“You’re right. Not forgetting the original intent means it’s true.”
He continued:
“This old Daoist and Treasure Tree Bald Donkey used the reincarnation method. Every period of time, we reincarnate once, then recover all memories when cultivation reaches the Heavenly Human Realm. When lifespan is about to run out, we reincarnate again, cycling repeatedly, struggling step by step through the river of time.”
Ning Qi’s pupils contracted.
He thought of himself.
For a moment, he wondered if he was also the reincarnation of some ancient saint, just not having recovered the memories yet. But immediately, he shook his head. That didn’t seem right. He clearly remembered his previous life memories, having transmigrated from Blue Star.
“What if one falls during reincarnation?” Ning Qi asked.
White Mountain Old Daoist smiled freely:
“Then it’s truly fallen. Even if you had heaven-defying methods before, there’s no possibility of revival. However, the stronger one is, the stronger the luck and talent of the reincarnated body, so the chance of falling isn’t that high.”
“Of course, there are always some unlucky ones. There were many old guys before, but to live to now requires luck.”
“Moreover, multiple reincarnations can’t have no impact at all. Each life’s memories will affect oneself, and some even undergo great changes in temperament and go mad.”
He spoke lightly, but Ning Qi could sense the peril in it.
“The advantage of the reincarnation method is waking up earlier. As for the self-sealing method, they vary. For example, that Savage Emperor cut his cultivation to Martial Saint Realm and then self-sealed with luck, so he was also among the earliest to wake.”
“And the bloodline inheritance method is the most dangerous, with the greatest cost. Not for ordinary people.”
At this point, Ning Qi could clearly feel the caution in White Mountain Old Daoist’s eyes.
“For example, the one who appeared today has continued to now through bloodline inheritance, so he has always been able to walk the world, maintaining powerful strength. But the bitterness in it is probably not for outsiders to know.” White Mountain Old Daoist shook his head, with admiration in his eyes.
Ning Qi said softly:
“The Heaven-Slaying Martial Saint lineage?”
White Mountain Old Daoist was astonished:
“You know?”
Ning Qi nodded:
“We met once before. This old senior seemed to be guiding me both openly and covertly, but at the time I knew little and didn’t realize. When I blocked Baoshu Buddha just now, he should have recognized me.”
“So that’s it.” White Mountain Old Daoist realized, “Strictly speaking, he can’t be considered a Heaven-Slaying Martial Saint, but in some sense, he is a continuation of the Heaven-Slaying Martial Saint. You’ll know later.”
Ning Qi nodded slightly, understanding this must involve that unspeakable secret, and immediately asked no more.
The two strolled leisurely, stepping into the sky, overlooking the layers of clouds.
After neither hid their identities, they were even more at ease, able to speak freely. Ning Qi felt a long-lost relaxation in his heart. This was the first time he had fully showcased his strength in front of outsiders.
The two kept chatting, but basically Ning Qi asking and White Mountain Old Daoist answering.
Unknowingly, the golden crow slanted down. Ning Qi let out a long breath, feeling he had benefited greatly.
He had always been fumbling forward in the dark. Now with someone guiding, it naturally felt different. Many mists were cleared, and the path ahead became much clearer.
“Thanks.” Ning Qi said softly.
White Mountain Old Daoist didn’t joke around either, just nodding lightly. He patted Ning Qi’s shoulder:
“Work hard. This old Daoist thinks highly of you. If those old guys knew of your existence, they’d be shocked speechless.”
With that, he chuckled again.
Ning Qi just smiled lightly, then said:
“Next, you’re just waiting for spiritual energy revival at True Profound Mountain?”
White Mountain Old Daoist just shook his head:
“Originally, holding the Heavenly Human Ceremony this time was also to see if any old friends would come. Unexpectedly, I waited for Treasure Tree this old bald donkey. Quite unlucky, but no matter. This old Daoist will simply pull open the curtain for this new era. Some things still need to be done.”
Ning Qi didn’t ask further.
“If there’s anything you need my help with, just send a message.”
White Mountain Old Daoist smiled and nodded. The future was hard to say, but Ning Qi now had combat power no less than an ancient saint. If there really was something, he would truly be a great help.
Ning Qi stepped away.
White Mountain Old Daoist’s voice came from behind:
“Young Ning, later I’ll have those Daoist sects send you some Daoist Scriptures.”
Ning Qi’s mouth curved up slightly. They had agreed to loot the world’s Daoist sects together. Now that White Mountain Old Daoist’s identity was exposed, just a slight hint would make those Daoist sects proactively send the Daoist Scriptures. He waved his hand backward without turning back.
Moments later.
Ning Qi met the anxious True Martial Sect congregation.
They were prepared to leave, but found Ning Qi missing.
However, Dragon Mountain Daoist remained calm. He had guessed a bit. Ning Qi gave him a look, and he immediately understood, waving his hand to stop the crowd about to ask:
“Since Little Nine is back, let’s go.”
The group walked out.
White Leaf True Person and the others immediately came up to greet them. Their attitude was extremely amiable, even more so than when they came up the mountain before. The way they looked at Dragon Mountain Daoist even had some astonishment, all because when dealing with the aftermath of the ancient saints’ melee earlier, Dragon Mountain Daoist had shown extremely strong strength and also protected many guests.
“Busy with matters today, we couldn’t properly entertain the True Person. Please forgive us. Why not stay a few more days?” White Elephant True Person tried to keep them. He had a feeling that the Dragon Mountain Daoist before him might surpass him in not long. This shocked him. After all, Dragon Mountain Daoist had stepped into the Heavenly Human Realm only a few years ago. Such talent was somewhat terrifying.
Dragon Mountain Daoist just waved his hand with a smile:
“We’ve already imposed for several days. Now that the True Monarch has returned, the world will probably face great changes soon. Dragon Mountain can only return to True Martial Mountain first to prepare. When there’s time later, I’ll come to personally seek teachings from the True Monarch!”
True Profound Sect congregation hurriedly returned the courtesy.
The two sides were polite again, and True Profound Sect congregation watched True Martial Sect group go down the mountain.
White River True Person couldn’t help but sigh:
“A few years ago, I even attended Dragon Mountain True Person’s Heavenly Human Ceremony. Who would have thought that in such a short time, he has advanced to this extent. Truly shameful. In my view, he already has Heavenly Human Ranking level strength. Such advancement speed is truly frightening!”
The others nodded too.
A voice said flatly:
“He doesn’t just have Heavenly Human Ranking level combat power. It won’t be long before he reaches Heavenly Human Perfection.”
The several True Persons were all stunned in place.
Heavenly Human Perfection?
This was no longer something that could be explained by good talent. To metamorphose from just entering the Heavenly Human Realm to Heavenly Human Perfection in a few short years—what kind of heaven-defying opportunity was needed?
Then the congregation immediately reacted:
“Greetings, True Monarch!”
The speaker was naturally White Mountain Old Daoist. He looked remotely at the True Martial Sect group and casually waved his hand.
“True Martial Sect is not simple. In the future, you must form good relations with them. Do not act superior relying on my existence.”
The three True Persons all felt a chill in their hearts:
“Yes, True Monarch!”
They had many guesses in their hearts, secretly shocked. For True Monarch to have such an attitude, it couldn’t just be because of Dragon Mountain Daoist. It could only mean True Martial Sect had someone even more valued by True Monarch. The same name emerged in their minds unbidden.
Heavenly Sword True Person.
White Mountain Old Daoist sighed lightly again:
“In the next year, you all diligently cultivate. I will go out to find some opportunities for you. If any of you can step into Heavenly Human Perfection within a year, I’ll give him a great creation.
The three all felt their hearts burn with eagerness.
