Chapter 256: Xuanzhen Secret Realm
Seeing the scene displayed on the Shadow Recording Spirit Crystal, the expressions of the congregation varied.
Upon hearing Ning Qi’s words, everyone’s hearts became as clear as mirrors.
He could protect hundreds of Sword Sect disciples, but he couldn’t protect only Senior Brother Wei Feng and Jiang Xuan, two Nascent Soul Realm cultivators?
This was clearly a weakness deliberately exposed by Ning Qi.
It was highly likely that Ning Qi had already seen through that the two were spies sent by Ye Chen and Jiang Qingxue, and he intentionally acted this way.
But no one could find fault with it.
Did Wei Feng and Jiang Xuan kill Ning Qi?
No.
That was enough.
The Great Powers were very familiar with the infighting among these True Disciples, as they had also come up this way. Not a few fellow disciples had died at their hands back then. The Immortal Path values competition, and it’s not a joke; without struggle, where is the way forward?
Ye Chen’s expression was grim. He never expected Ning Qi to have such a move. He roared unwillingly:
“May Sect Master enlighten us. This Ning Qi deliberately ignored a deathly situation and placed our Sword Sect’s True Disciples in danger. His intentions are malicious, and he likely has an unknown origin. In this disciple’s opinion, we should conduct a soul search on him to rectify the fundamental issue!”
Jiang Baichuan merely glanced at him indifferently, causing Ye Chen to feel as if struck by lightning, his face turning pale.
For the dignified Sect Master to be dictated to by a mere disciple?
Ye Qingtian quickly and subtly shielded Ye Chen, respectfully saying:
“Ye Chen spoke out of turn, please forgive him, Sect Master. However, Ye Chen’s words do have some truth. This Shadow Recording Spirit Crystal was produced by Ning Qi. Although Great Powers cannot alter its content, there’s no guarantee he didn’t use other methods. Please, Sect Master, reconsider.”
Jiang Baichuan’s gaze flickered.
Grand Elder Zi Yang immediately became furious:
“Old Ghost Ye, are you suggesting that Ning Qi found a Body Integration Realm Giant, or even a Dao Integration Realm Ancestor behind him, to fabricate the Shadow Recording Spirit Crystal?”
He laughed in anger.
Throughout the entire Northern Xuan Region, only the Northern Profound Upper Sect possessed a Body Integration Realm existence. Even the Boundless Sword Sect, with its long heritage, had never produced such a magnate. If Ning Qi truly had such a powerful figure behind him, what would be his motive?
Many Great Powers and True Disciples nodded slightly.
Ye Qingtian also paused and grumbled:
“Anything is possible. A clear conscience fears no slander. Besides the Shadow Recording Spirit Crystal, there are other ways to verify.”
He chuckled and his gaze fell upon the many disciples of Five Elements Peak behind Ning Qi.
Many of the survivors from that day were present. Sometimes, memories were more reliable than anything.
Ning Qi’s expression changed imperceptibly, which made Ye Qingtian even more convinced.
Everyone quickly reacted.
The truth could be found by conducting a soul search on a disciple.
Some Great Powers did not object; in fact, some agreed. They were curious about the small world Ning Qi had conquered and wanted to know what secrets it held.
Grand Elder Zi Yang’s expression was grim. He wanted to speak but stopped, unable to say anything.
Ning Qi finally spoke:
“Grand Elder Ye, please forgive this disciple for being unable to obey! The many junior brothers and sisters of Five Elements Peak are willing to follow me. How can I let them have their souls searched and be crippled!”
Anger was evident on his face.
However, in Ye Qingtian’s eyes, this was a sign of a guilty conscience.
“Heh, why don’t you take their place instead?”
Ning Qi stood tall and unyielding:
“Then please, Grand Elder, make your move!”
Everyone’s eyes showed surprise, especially the True Disciples, who felt even more admiration for Ning Qi. Being able to confront Great Powers for the sake of his followers, compared to Ye Chen’s treatment of his followers as dogs, such a person was clearly more worthy of allegiance.
The disciples of Five Elements Peak showed gratitude and reverence.
The atmosphere became somewhat strange.
Sect Master Jiang Baichuan pondered for a moment and then said:
“Ning Qi, this Sect Master possesses a supernatural power called the Grand Yin Soul Illumination Art, which can glimpse the memories of the Nascent Soul. Those with Nascent Soul Realm strength will not suffer any harm; at most, they will be weakened for a few months. Are you willing to let your disciples try it?”
Ye Qingtian immediately sneered.
He had known for a long time that Jiang Baichuan had this art and had deliberately guided the situation step by step.
Before Ning Qi could speak.
Qin Minghao was the first to respond:
“Reporting to Sect Master, this disciple is willing to try, to prove Senior Brother Ning’s innocence!”
His expression was fervent, as if he himself had suffered a great injustice.
Several other True Disciples also stepped forward in unison:
“This disciple is willing to try. We implore Sect Master to search our souls to prove Senior Brother Ning’s innocence!”
The many onlookers were astonished.
Searching someone’s soul was no trivial matter. Even if the Sect Master had a special art, it wasn’t entirely harmless, let alone exposing one’s privacy and secrets to everyone. Normally, no one would agree to it.
But now.
Many of Ning Qi’s True Disciples seemed to be scrambling to volunteer.
What did this signify?
Ning Qi had won the hearts of the people and possessed the demeanor of a king.
If he had been extremely harsh towards his disciples, this would never have happened.
Several Great Powers nodded secretly, developing a good impression of Ning Qi. The infighting within the Boundless Sword Sect was becoming increasingly intense, and they lacked such a leader to cleanse the atmosphere. They couldn’t help but think that as long as Ning Qi had no issues, he would never be wronged.
Ning Qi’s voice was heavy:
“I will obey the Sect Master’s arrangements.”
Lu Ziyue looked at him, a hint of worry in her eyes.
Jiang Baichuan calmly gazed at the several True Disciples, his gaze finally settling on Qin Minghao:
“You will be the first to try.”
Qin Minghao took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and sat cross-legged in the void.
A flash of light appeared in Jiang Baichuan’s eyes. He casually formed a hand seal, and a deep, dark, shadowy Yin light appeared in his hand. The light flickered and wavered, penetrating Qin Minghao’s mind. Instantly, Qin Minghao let out a low roar, his face contorted.
But after a moment, it gradually calmed down.
Jiang Baichuan waved his hand, and a scroll painting slowly unfurled in the void.
In the painting, an infant was born, marking Qin Minghao’s birth. Everyone was inwardly shocked. Such a supernatural power was truly formidable, capable of illuminating a person’s entire life.
Fortunately, Jiang Baichuan did not possess such peculiar voyeuristic desires. The image flickered rapidly, and in a flash, it reached the various scenes of conquering the small world.
A Three-Colored Treasure Boat arrived at the Tiangang Sect.
A million cultivators invaded the True Martial Realm.
Immediately after, the scene from the previous Shadow Recording Spirit Crystal unfolded.
Everyone watched with blank expressions.
Soon.
Their spirits lifted, as Qin Minghao’s memories revealed scenes not shown by the Shadow Recording Spirit Crystal.
Fierce wars erupted continuously, beings fell, the ground was torn apart, and even the void collapsed. The combat of so many powerful cultivators was terrifying.
Finally.
Under Ning Qi’s various tactics and the combat of the Mountain Sea Realm cultivators, all the native powerhouses of the small world were annihilated. However, the Mountain Sea Realm cultivators also suffered heavy losses, especially the Nascent Soul Realm True Monarchs, of whom less than one in ten survived, and the remaining were all injured.
At this time.
Ning Qi used a secret technique, and from the depths of the void in that small world, a cave mansion emitting five-colored light appeared before everyone’s eyes.
Before the cultivators of the Twelve Sects could rejoice, they were met with a brutal slaughter.
Ning Qi and his group made their move.
The outcome was as expected.
All the cultivators of the Twelve Sects perished, leaving only Ning Qi and hundreds of Sword Sect disciples.
Then, under the gaze of many Sword Sect disciples, Ning Qi stepped alone into the cave mansion.
Qin Minghao and the others waited respectfully outside.
Several days later.
Ning Qi emerged from the cave mansion, and the mansion completely collapsed. No one knew what Ning Qi obtained within. Afterward, there was the customary sacrifice of the small world.
The small world provided a very rich Mountain Sea Realm Will. If Ning Qi had enjoyed it alone, it was highly possible he could have reached the Void Dao Realm. However, Ning Qi did not choose to enjoy it alone; instead, he shared it with the many Sword Sect disciples.
After that, upon returning to the Mountain Sea Realm, Qin Minghao led many Sword Sect disciples in annihilating the Twelve Sects.
The image slowly faded.
The matter was now clear.
The expressions of the congregation were varied.
The True Disciples were so envious they were green with envy. Seeing that Ning Qi had generously shared the world’s baptism with his followers, they wished they could have been in their place. This explained how Qin Minghao’s strength had advanced so much.
Ye Chen gnashed his teeth. Nothing was revealed, and instead, Ning Qi obtained such a great opportunity. He was so angry he wanted to vomit blood. Ye Qingtian’s face also darkened.
The various Great Powers, however, looked on with probing gazes.
They were more curious about the cave mansion.
Qin Minghao slowly awoke, then retreated to the side with a pale face. Ning Qi took a deep breath and said:
“This disciple was fortunate enough to obtain a Body Integration Realm opportunity. This cave mansion was left by a magnate skilled in the Dao of the Five Elements. I request Sect Master to punish this disciple for concealing it.”
He lowered his head, appearing disheartened that his opportunity had been exposed publicly.
In reality, his heart was calm.
All of this was within Ning Qi’s expectations. Both the previous Shadow Recording Spirit Crystal and the memories displayed in Qin Minghao’s mind were modified by him. In other words, these were things they had “experienced” themselves.
Only Ning Qi, as the master of this small world, could do this. He could easily use the world’s power to stage a play. Even a Dao Integration Realm Ancestor might not be able to achieve this.
As for the purpose, it was also very simple.
Ning Qi knew that his trip to the Chu Kingdom Cultivation World could not be hidden. Instead of letting them continue to covet, it was better to guide them in a different direction.
The True Martial Realm had already been sacrificed, containing a Body Integration Realm opportunity.
At this moment.
Several Great Powers felt a stir of desire.
Because they knew Ning Qi was not lying. With their eyesight, they could completely tell that the five-colored cave mansion exuded a Body Integration Realm aura.
This explained the act of annihilating the cultivators of the Twelve Sects; it was merely to prevent the news from spreading. As for whether such an act was appropriate, even Ye Qingtian and Ye Chen would not condemn Ning Qi for it. The law of the jungle was the way of the Mountain Sea Realm.
Jiang Baichuan gazed at Ning Qi for several breaths, then smiled:
“There is no need for that. It is their good fortune that our Sword Sect disciples can obtain opportunities. You are the Immortal Seed personally chosen by Grand Elder Zi Yang, and with such an opportunity, it further proves your immense good fortune. Your future is limitless.”
He was not overly moved; it was merely a Body Integration Realm inheritance.
Having an inheritance alone was useless. After all, the Boundless Sword Canon of the Boundless Sword Sect was also a supreme art pointing directly to the Body Integration Realm, yet the result was that no Body Integration Realm Giant had appeared for so many years.
Ning Qi spoke at the opportune moment:
“This disciple is willing to offer the Five Elements Tribulation Transcending True Canon to enrich the Sect’s foundation!”
This was naturally a True Canon recorded in the inheritance obtained from the True Martial Immortal Sect.
The eyes of many Great Powers immediately showed goodwill, and Jiang Baichuan also smiled:
“Is that so?”
“It is this disciple’s honor to contribute to the Sword Sect.” Ning Qi’s posture was perfectly maintained.
Jiang Baichuan laughed heartily:
“If every disciple of our Sword Sect were like you, how could the Sword Sect not prosper?”
He glanced at Jiang Qingxue, who immediately trembled.
Jiang Qingxue understood. This was a message telling her to find an opportunity to let go of the previous matter concerning Jiang Xuan. Her heart felt bitter, knowing that Ye Chen had paid such a heavy price, and she would likely have to compensate with at least one Spiritual Treasure.
Jiang Baichuan then looked at Ye Qingtian and said with a smile:
“Grand Elder Ye, it seems this matter was indeed a misunderstanding of True Disciple Ning on your part.”
The situation had reached this point, and the overall situation was decided.
The Great Powers of the Jiang Family and Sect Factions would never stand by and watch the Ye Family run rampant. They had already suffered a loss today, and there was no benefit in pursuing it further. He said solemnly:
“All according to the Sect Master’s arrangements.”
However, after saying this, he couldn’t help but gaze deeply at Ning Qi a few more times.
Ning Qi remained deaf to it.
For a mere Great Power, if they dared to be presumptuous, he would make them understand what regret was.
The matter gradually drew to a close.
The hearts of many disciples were filled with shock.
Today was supposed to be a fierce battle between two True Disciples, but it unexpectedly involved so many Great Powers, which was completely beyond expectation.
However, one thing was certain: after this incident, Ning Qi’s prestige would rise to a terrifying level, and this was achieved by stepping on Ye Chen. The scene of his overwhelming suppression of Ye Chen was still vivid; this was already a generational crush.
Many True Disciples were moved. Both Ning Qi’s inherent potential and strength, as well as his generosity and protectiveness towards his followers, made them consider allegiance.
Qin Minghao was a clear example.
It was like buying a thousand miles of horse bones.
Ning Qi’s rise was unstoppable.
This was evident even to many Great Powers, who marveled that none of the disciples of this generation could match Ning Qi, let alone have the qualifications to impede him. Even Jiang Baichuan knew that Jiang Qingxue was far from qualified.
“He could have reached the Void Dao Realm with the baptism of sacrificing the small world, but he did not. He only advanced to the limit of the Nascent Soul Realm, which shows his Dao Heart is extremely firm. He wants to go further, and in time, the Void Dao Realm will not be his limit!”
The Great Powers inwardly praised him.
They even looked forward to the possibility that the Boundless Sword Sect might truly give birth to its first Giant!
But more importantly, they saw hope for another matter in Ning Qi.
The Profound True Secret Realm!
This was a secret realm shared by the Northern Xuan Region and the Southern True Domain, containing not only heavenly materials and earthly treasures but also various powerful inheritances and Spiritual Treasures. It opened once every three thousand years, but only cultivators at or below the Nascent Soul Realm could enter.
Almost as soon as this thought arose in the minds of the Great Powers, Jiang Baichuan’s voice echoed in the ears of every True Disciple:
“In one year, the True Disciple rankings will be redetermined. The top ten True Disciples may proceed to the Profound True Secret Realm!”
