Chapter 289: Two Ancestors
When the enemy Spirit Realm Haoran Realm in the Spirit Realm War was mentioned, the congregation became interested.
Speaking of which, they all knew that True Martial Realm’s goal was to take down Mountain Sea Realm, lest True Martial Realm be devoured by it.
Thus, they felt a bit of fondness for that enemy Spirit Realm of Mountain Sea Realm, Haoran Realm.
However, upon thinking that they would soon participate in the Spirit Realm War and engage in life-and-death battles with Haoran Realm’s cultivators, they couldn’t help but raise their guard.
In short, True Martial Realm wanted to develop and promote, no matter what Spirit Realm it was, it would stand in their way and seek to devour True Martial Realm upon sight.
In Ju Xian Lou, Ning Qi and the others exchanged cups and continued sharing intelligence.
The person who mentioned Haoran Realm was named Zhou Qing. Seeing that the World Lord and the other True Martial Realm brothers were all drawn in by his words, he felt it was rare to shine in front of the congregation.
Thus, Zhou Qing continued:
“According to the intelligence we’ve received, Haoran Realm is also a similarly powerful Spirit Realm.”
Zhuang Chen asked: “How is the situation inside it? Does Brother Zhou know?”
Zhou Qing smiled and said:
“It is similar to Mountain Sea Realm’s situation, with various domains inside, many powerful Immortal Sects, over hundreds of Integration Realm Old Ancestors, and it’s even said to have existences transcending the Integration Realm.”
The congregation narrowed their eyes upon hearing this.
In that case, wasn’t the situation inside Mountain Sea Realm also similar?
At this moment, the congregation gathered at Ju Xian Lou were all those who had reincarnated in Northern Xuan Region.
Northern Xuan Region was originally just a small domain, too ordinary in Mountain Sea Realm. After all, the strongest in the north-south dual domains were only at Integration Realm Perfection.
Other major domains in Mountain Sea Realm all had Immortal Sects. What was an Immortal Sect? It was a sect with an Integration Realm sitting in command.
Even in the largest several domains, there were multiple Immortal Sects, with several Integration Realm experts vying within.
Ning Qi said at this time:
“I know the situation inside Mountain Sea Realm. Let me tell you all.”
Bai Shan, Zhuang Chen, and the others all looked over.
If truly speaking of intelligence on Mountain Sea Realm, no one on site knew more or clearer than Ning Qi.
After all, Ning Qi, as the World Lord, could contact the reincarnators scattered across Mountain Sea Realm’s various domains.
All reincarnators were blessed by the Enlightenment Realm Tree and others, with past life wisdom, making them exceptionally talented.
Thus, from Immortal Sects down to ordinary sects, they had people enter and occupy important positions within.
Those like Zhuang Chen, the Sect Leader’s Son, were not uncommon.
The information they gathered, Ning Qi cross-verified and supplemented, naturally yielding terrifying intelligence.
“The name Mountain Sea Realm does not originate from a single mountain or sea, but from two people.”
The first piece of information Ning Qi revealed stunned the congregation.
They had previously always thought Mountain Sea Realm was named after its terrain, only to learn from Ning Qi that the name came from two people.
“These two, one is Mountain Ancestor, one is Sea Ancestor. They are from the same era, and no one knows how many years they’ve been in Mountain Sea Realm.”
“It’s said that the two vied with each other all along their growth path, yet neither could kill the other, up to this day.”
“Mountain Ancestor occupies the best place on all the land of Mountain Sea Realm—Jie Tian Peak, its peak the highest in Mountain Sea Realm, said to directly touch the Star Sea. Mountain Ancestor commands the mountains from there, extending to all land ranges, so all call him Mountain Ancestor.”
“Sea Ancestor fought Mountain Ancestor on land and lost, so she gave up land rights, turned to the Four Seas, and ultimately unified them, so all call her Sea Ancestor.”
“Over the long years, their titles spread ceaselessly. One mountain, one sea—called often enough, gave this world its name, Mountain Sea Realm.”
Ning Qi swept his gaze over the congregation and said: “Worth mentioning is that Sea Ancestor is a female.”
The congregation looked at each other.
Hearing Ning Qi explain Mountain Sea Realm’s origins, and the situations of Mountain Ancestor and Sea Ancestor, the congregation felt the fire of gossip blazing in their bodies.
True Person Bai Shan teased:
“It seems our True Martial Realm is still more impressive. Mountain Sea Realm is a Spirit Realm, yet no one truly commands the entire Mountain Sea Realm.”
Zhuang Chen also laughed: “They’re just born better, starting out in a Spirit Realm. How could they have our boldness of killing our way up from a small world.”
At this point, the congregation indeed felt they were very awesome—of course, the World Lord was even more so.
Zhou Qing suddenly asked in confusion: “Since there are us small worlds, and Spirit Realms like Mountain Sea Realm, there must surely be even larger worlds above. I wonder if the top-tier people in these Spirit Realms have ever thought of killing their way to the upper realms?”
True Person Bai Shan rarely said something serious, only hearing him say:
“The laws of the world are mostly the strong bullying the weak, like Mountain Sea Realm devouring our small worlds, like the law of the jungle among worldly beings, like nobles oppressing commoners among humans—this is the overall trend, yet reversals are rare.”
“Have you ever seen a reversal?”
The congregation’s gazes burned as they involuntarily looked toward Ning Qi.
Though no words were spoken, Ning Qi knew what the congregation wanted to say.
They were thinking that weren’t they walking precisely this reversed path?
Walking this path of the weak triumphing over the strong was going against the great trend, overturning the laws of the entire world…
Ning Qi savored True Person Bai Shan’s words, and even he suddenly felt something different added to his life.
Previously, he had only wanted to lead True Martial Realm to survive, without thinking so deeply.
For a moment, the congregation fell silent, all deep in thought.
A good while later, Ning Qi continued introducing the situation inside Mountain Sea Realm to the congregation.
“That Mountain Ancestor and Sea Ancestor are already supreme experts of the Integration Realm, not appearing for over a hundred thousand years, even suspected to have signs of transcending the Integration Realm.”
“After the two unified Mountain Sea Realm, then came the birth of Mountain Sea Realm’s various domains, dividing into hundreds of Spiritual Realms.”
Of course, most of the hundreds of domains were existences like the north-south dual domains, with only Integration Realm magnates inside.
Only the dozens of larger Spiritual Realms closest to where Mountain Ancestor and Sea Ancestor were, were occupied by various Immortal Sects.
Each Immortal Sect had at least one Integration Realm in command, and more had several or even over ten.
The sects where Mountain Ancestor and Sea Ancestor were had inheritances to this day, naturally the strongest.
Only at this point did the congregation learn the overall situation of Mountain Sea Realm from the World Lord’s mouth.
In this view, their Northern Xuan Region was too weak in the vast Mountain Sea Realm.
Fortunately, being weak had its advantages—at least the upper limit was extremely high.
Then, Ning Qi mentioned another matter, pointing upward as he said:
“This Spirit Realm War was proactively initiated by Mountain Sea Realm, suspected to be Mountain Ancestor and Sea Ancestor wanting to cross the limit, thoroughly break through the Integration Realm, and ascend to the next realm.”
The congregation looked at each other, all shocked by these words.
Many among them were still at Nascent Soul Realm, though there were also Void Dao Realm, and Ning Qi at Integration Realm, but they hadn’t paid attention to realms above.
Integration Realm was far from them, let alone above it.
Zhuang Chen frowned slightly and said:
“World Lord, the realm above Integration Realm is surely…”
Ning Qi nodded. Though he didn’t speak, the congregation all understood.
In this case, the upper limit for Spirit Realm lives was Integration Realm, just like their True Martial Realm, whose initial upper limit was only Martial Saint.
Only after Ning Qi emerged, through countless trials, was the upper limit raised to Void Dao Realm.
So whether Mountain Sea Realm, or Mountain Ancestor and Sea Ancestor, wanting to ascend further—how easy was that?
Mountain Ancestor and Sea Ancestor had ruled Mountain Sea Realm for who knows how many tens of thousands of years, and even now they were trying every means to thoroughly cross it—wasn’t that proof of its difficulty?
True Person Bai Shan realized a problem and asked:
“World Lord, Mountain Ancestor and Sea Ancestor haven’t truly taken command of Mountain Sea Realm like you, yet they seem to have influenced Mountain Sea Realm, even making it launch the Spirit Realm War.”
Ning Qi replied:
“They should be in a cooperative relationship. All three have the desire to break the status quo, so they initiated the Spirit Realm War.”
The congregation nodded. In that case, they understood.
The Spirit Realm wanted to break its own upper limit, and so did Mountain Ancestor and Sea Ancestor, thus the three joined hands!
At this point, the congregation couldn’t help but worry.
If not for Ning Qi’s rise back then, these True Martial Realm cultivators would probably have all perished with the Black Demon Sect’s invasion.
Now with the two Spirit Realms preparing to battle, who knew how many Integration Realm Old Ancestors inside, who knew how intense the war would be.
And they were a hidden third party, caught between two Spirit Realms—any carelessness would bring total annihilation.
The only fortune was that Ning Qi had led the congregation to proactively ascend to the Spirit Realm, killing their way up.
Otherwise, they would still be living carefree in the original True Martial Realm, unaware of their fate.
And those in Mountain Sea Realm were all reincarnated bodies—even if they died, it wouldn’t affect True Martial Realm’s main bodies.
As long as True Martial Realm didn’t perish and their lifespans weren’t up, they wouldn’t die.
The difficulty lay in True Martial Realm not being noticed by Mountain Sea Realm.
But fortunately, even if the Spirit Realm War truly started, there would be a long transitional period.
Whether pre-war preparations or mid-war stalemates, they were generally counted in millennia or even tens of thousands of years.
Back then, when Mountain Sea Realm devoured True Martial Realm, it took a full ninety thousand years.
And the initial Spirit Realm War wouldn’t erupt all at once into full-scale war; it would start with probes, outbreaks of small-scale local wars.
In such wars, Integration Realm Old Ancestors generally wouldn’t take the field; the main forces were their Upper Sects.
At that time, the two realms would connect, with some small worlds condensing into two-realm passages, turning into battlegrounds.
In Ju Xian Lou, Ning Qi led the congregation in deducing based on all intelligence.
Soonest ten years, latest twenty years, and the Spirit Realm War would truly begin.
“Today we gather for two reasons: first, to pass this message; second, if Northern Xuan Region is conscripted to war, you and I will surely be in one war group, so I’m informing you in advance—not to panic then.”
“Third…”
Ning Qi looked at the congregation, his lips curving slightly as he suddenly stood.
Seeing his posture, the congregation immediately understood.
The World Lord was going to test their strength!
Next, Ning Qi led the congregation to a private Sect Leader’s area in Boundless Sword Sect, where outsiders couldn’t disturb.
First to test the congregation’s strength, second to preach the Dao to these subordinates from True Martial Realm.
Though they now all had the Enlightenment Realm Tree’s boost, greatly enhancing comprehension, Ning Qi knew they surpassed ordinary people easily.
Now scattered everywhere, without exchanging with similarly comprehending people, even with good comprehension among ordinary cultivators, improvement would be limited.
In the end, the congregation all left satisfied.
Ning Qi returned to the Sect Leader Hall, pondering slightly.
He thought to himself that the Spirit Realm War starting was naturally bad news for Mountain Sea Realm’s ordinary sects.
But for their True Martial Realm, it was also an opportunity.
Crisis within crisis—as the World Lord, it was his job to find True Martial Realm’s chance to rise from the danger.
Ning Qi had already instructed the reincarnators in Immortal Sects to use all means to obtain Haoran Realm’s coordinates.
They all held high status in Immortal Sects, and before the Spirit Realm War started, they had a great chance to learn Haoran Realm’s position in advance.
Then, when they sent the coordinates, Ning Qi would immediately select a batch of lives from True Martial Realm to reincarnate there, seizing the first-mover advantage.
By the time the Spirit Realm War truly began and the two realms clashed, Ning Qi would surely profit, biting off a big chunk—perhaps enough to rapidly grow True Martial Realm into a Spirit Realm.
The celebration held by Boundless Sword Sect gradually concluded as the various sects’ people departed.
At this time, news of Ning Qi annihilating Blood Demon Sect and slaying Feathered Ascension Upper Sect’s visitors spread throughout Southern True Domain, causing massive shock in Southern True Domain.
The first to learn the news was naturally Feathered Ascension Sect.
The elder managing the Soul Hall’s soul lamps in the sect faced the extinguishing of twelve life fires in the soul lamps, especially the largest and brightest one representing late Integration Realm’s Ye Wuxin, nearly suffocating on the spot.
Afterward, Feathered Ascension Upper Sect’s Sect Leader Fang Xiandao summoned the elders to the Sect Leader Hall for discussion.
The elders initially didn’t believe upon hearing this, until questioning the soul lamp managing elder one by one and getting the same result—everyone’s hearts shook.
Fang Xiandao’s face was grim as his gaze swept over the congregation.
“Back then who said I was making a fuss over nothing? Now Feathered Ascension Upper Sect has suffered such a huge loss—who will bear it?”
The elders looked at each other wordlessly, all gazes involuntarily turning to a figure seated behind a curtain.
That was the other of Feathered Ascension Upper Sect’s three Integration Realm Old Ancestors.
With an Integration Realm fallen this time, how could the remaining two not know, how could they not come out to inquire?
An elder tentatively asked:
“Sect Leader, did Night Old Ancestor and the various elders truly die at that Boundless Sword Sect’s hands?”
Fang Xiandao snorted coldly.
“The news has come back—could it be fake?”
The elders didn’t dare speak, shock on every face.
This news was too hard for them to accept, yet they had to—after all, the facts were there.
The elder who had said Fang Xiandao was making a fuss over nothing shrank into a ball, fearing being singled out by the Sect Leader; if it drew an Integration Old Ancestor’s attention, he’d have a hard time ahead.
Of course, among Feathered Ascension Upper Sect’s many elders, there were also warlike iron-blooded types.
“Sect Leader, such a blood feud—why not ask the two Old Ancestors to act and vow to exterminate Boundless Sword Sect!”
Fang Xiandao’s face seemed even darker as he glared at the man.
If they could do that, would they still be discussing here?
Know that Night Wuxin Old Ancestor was late Integration Realm, yet he perished first, followed by the remaining eleven great powers.
How many Integration Realms did their Feathered Ascension Upper Sect have?
Only three total, now left with one late-stage and one perfection.
Not to mention whether they could retaliate against Boundless Sword Sect—if they all went, with no Integration Realm guarding Feathered Ascension Upper Sect, what if Ox Demon Upper Sect or Heavenly Star Upper Sect made trouble?
Even if those two sects didn’t take advantage, if the two Old Ancestors went and something happened—another mishap—could Feathered Ascension Upper Sect’s status still hold?
Plus with the Spirit Realm War imminent, Feathered Ascension Upper Sect couldn’t afford more trouble!
“Shall we just let it go?” someone murmured.
The Integration Realm Old Ancestor behind the curtain finally spoke at this moment.
“All of Feathered Ascension Upper Sect, hear my order.”
“Yes!”
“Before the Spirit Realm War begins, stir no more trouble, and especially don’t seek trouble with Boundless Sword Sect…”
The congregation heard the implication.
The Old Ancestor’s voice now rose like from the netherworld.
“After the Spirit Realm War begins, when the chance comes, join with other sects to exterminate everyone in Boundless Sword Sect!”
“Yes!”
Heavenly Star Upper Sect.
When the news reached them, all elders were stunned.
Sect Leader Xia Tianhe’s face showed fear and also a trace of relief.
Fortunately, his choice back then was right—not following Feathered Ascension Upper Sect’s open meddling in Northern Xuan Region.
At the same time, Xia Tianhe informed the sect’s Old Ancestors of the news.
The Old Ancestors were both shocked and laughing, prophesying:
“This Spirit Realm War—Feathered Ascension Upper Sect is done!”
Ox Demon Upper Sect.
As a sect on good terms with Boundless Sword Sect, upon receiving the news, the demons were both shocked and excited.
Especially Niu Man, boasting from “My brother has stepped into Integration Realm” to “My brother, upon entering Integration Realm, is invincible at the same level, slaying late Integration Realm.”
His big mouth grinned to his ears, gloating endlessly—other demonic beasts couldn’t pull him back.
Finally, Niu Ding Tian emerged from closed-door cultivation, stomping him a hundred zhang into the ground with one ox hoof, quieting him.
Then…
Niu Ding Tian’s mouth also grinned to his ears, muttering to himself: “The little brother I befriended is indeed extraordinary!”
That day sparring with Ning Qi, Ning Qi was only at Void Dao Realm Perfection yet forced him to use thirty percent strength to truly win.
Later, Niu Ding Tian gave Ning Qi his own method of condensing Qiu Niu.
And from Ning Qi, he obtained the Qiu Niu Divine Form.
At that time, Niu Ding Tian knew that once Ning Qi broke into Integration Realm, he would battle across levels.
He hadn’t expected, just upon emerging, to receive such shocking news.
Brother Ning was more terrifying than he imagined—not just battling across levels, but slaying across levels!
Over these decades, Niu Ding Tian had been in closed-door cultivation studying the Qiu Niu Divine Form from Ning Qi.
The more he studied, the more shocked and fearful he became.
Ning Qi, clearly a human cultivator—why did he understand the divine intent of Qiu Niu better than this ox demon?
Each time observing, Niu Ding Tian instead felt Ning Qi was the true Qiu Niu, while he seemed a clumsy imitator—having the form but not the spirit.
Afterward, Niu Ding Tian brought Niu Man again to Boundless Sword Sect.
News of Niu Ding Tian and the few demons’ arrival spread through Northern Xuan Region, naturally enhancing Boundless Sword Sect’s prestige.
In Boundless Sword Sect.
Seeing Ning Qi, Niu Ding Tian’s ox face showed displeasure, only hearing him say:
“Brother Ning, you’ve been too distant. Feathered Ascension Upper Sect sent an Integration Realm to attack, yet you didn’t notify my Ox Demon Upper Sect. If this old ox hadn’t been in closed-door cultivation, I definitely would’ve come to help.”
Ning Qi immediately understood.
This old ox seemed straightforward but deeply understood human nature.
These words explained why Feathered Ascension Upper Sect had sent an Integration Realm magnate to eliminate Boundless Sword Sect, yet he made no move.
Thus, Ning Qi said:
“Brother Niu, you know I don’t fight unprepared battles. Since I prepared to act, I had a counter plan.”
Ning Qi welcomed the demons into the hall.
Niu Ding Tian said:
“But with Boundless Sword Sect in trouble and my Ox Demon Upper Sect absent, this old bro really can’t feel at ease.”
Ning Qi waved dismissively, unconcerned.
“Brother Niu, don’t say that. Last time Boundless Sword Sect faced danger from Northern Xuan Upper Sect’s Integration Old Ancestor, I was only at Void Dao Realm—Brother Niu coming personally was already great favor.”
“Now this kid luckily broke through to Integration Realm, feeling I had some grasp against Feathered Ascension Upper Sect’s people, so I didn’t invite Brother Niu.”
“Moreover, if unable to prevail, I would’ve sent someone to ask Brother Niu for aid.”
Hearing this, Niu Ding Tian felt a bit better.
He did have an oversight, never expecting Ning Qi to break through to Integration Realm so quickly—if he’d known, he absolutely wouldn’t have gone into closed-door cultivation.
Niu Ding Tian saw clearly: Ning Qi was no pond thing—if not aiding with all might before his rise, afterward one could only look up.
Fortunately, Ning Qi didn’t mind.
Ning Qi naturally didn’t mind.
Back then sending Sword Ancestor to Ox Demon Upper Sect for help was just to deal with Boundless Sword Sect’s internal elders who feared Northern Xuan Upper Sect.
At that time, Ning Qi had gone out alone quietly, incarnating as Xuan Shangren to single-handedly annihilate Northern Xuan Upper Sect.
He hadn’t feared Integration Realm then—let alone now?
But currently, the two sects being on good terms was good for both.
Boundless Sword Sect’s others didn’t know Ning Qi’s foundation—more helpers could give the sect members more confidence.
Lest they always worry about Feathered Ascension Upper Sect’s retaliation.
Soon, Ning Qi hosted the demons.
Niu Ding Tian looked at Ning Qi, hesitating to speak.
“Brother Niu, if you have something, just say it.” Ning Qi said casually.
Niu Ding Tian scratched his head, embarrassed:
“Now that Brother Ning has entered Integration Realm, I still want to spar with you, to see your Qiu Niu Divine Form from back then exhibited under Integration Realm—how mighty it is. I wonder, Brother…”
Ning Qi straightforwardly said: “Then let’s spar.”
Thus, the two appeared again on the plaza atop the central group of peaks.
News of the two Integration Realms sparring spread through Boundless Sword Sect, immediately drawing many spectators.
Last time they sparred, only a few were present—now their Sect Leader Senior Brother battling Integration Perfection Niu Ding Tian, how could they not watch?
Countless figures flew to the plaza, quietly taking seats.
Niu Ding Tian and Ning Qi wasted no words, acting simultaneously.
As last time, Niu Ding Tian shrank his body to match Ning Qi’s size.
One human, one demon simultaneously exhibited Qiu Niu Divine Form, both their body surfaces automatically manifesting rule divine shadows, condensing into Qiu Niu Form.
The two Qiu Niu shadows streaked through the void, colliding together.
Moo!
The ox roar shook the heavens, yet wasn’t piercing.
The congregation heard many tones within, harmonizing into one—extremely wondrous.
The legendary Divine Beast Qiu Niu indeed loved music, could be called a sound god; worldly qin masters’ qins often carved its form.
The two collided ceaselessly in the void, each clash flesh-to-flesh with fists and feet, but the striking sounds were extremely pleasant, making the congregation feel hidden within things they didn’t understand.
Actually, it wasn’t strange they didn’t understand.
One human, one demon practicing Qiu Niu Divine Form—besides the divine beast’s form, it was the divine beast’s sound.
Each strike of theirs wasn’t just physical collision, rule collision, but also hid sound waves in attacks, impacting the opponent during offense.
Those who didn’t understand would be invaded by the sound waves laced with rule divine power, unconsciously shaking their minds—tension, impulsiveness, anger, fear… and other emotions all contained in the sound.
Its rule sound could even shatter the opponent’s internal rules—the longer the battle, the more suppressed.
Decades of closed-door cultivation, both had progressed.
Niu Ding Tian’s Qiu Niu was no longer foolish like last time, now much more agile, as if he truly transformed into Divine Beast Qiu Niu.
One human, one demon battled who knows how many rounds. Finally, Niu Ding Tian suddenly fell onto the plaza, smashing a deep pit.
For a time, the congregation was stunned.
Niu Ding Tian crawled out of the pit, gasping heavily, looking toward Ning Qi hovering in the void—Ning Qi calm and composed.
This time he used full power, yet still couldn’t take Ning Qi, instead being knocked from the void by him.
If not perceiving Ning Qi holding back, Niu Ding Tian felt he’d have lost within twenty rounds.
Now his whole body was sore and powerless, even his rules seemingly scattered, unable to condense.
Of course, Niu Ding Tian knew this was temporary—Ning Qi hadn’t gone for the kill.
Niu Ding Tian gazed mesmerized at Ning Qi’s displayed Qiu Niu Divine Form, his copper bell-sized ox eyes widening round.
Last time Ning Qi used Void Dao Realm cultivation to condense Qiu Niu Divine Form in the void against him—this time Ning Qi truly operated Qiu Niu Divine Form with his fleshly body.
Niu Ding Tian silently compared Ning Qi’s form, surprised to find—even having learned the Qiu Niu Divine Form Ning Qi gave, Ning Qi’s exhibited Qiu Niu was still more perfect than his.
Niu Ding Tian had an illusion: Ning Qi’s Qiu Niu seemed to have other forms, other divine intents.
Just like all being apes—some focused on doing ape things well was already hard, but some with ape bodies could do seventy-two transformations.
He, Niu Ding Tian, was the former, while Ning Qi was that divine ape who had mastered the seventy-two transformations.
The surrounding spectators were silent.
Everyone had seen through the situation in the field.
Integration Perfection Niu Ding Tian had lost to their Sect Leader Senior Brother.
Moreover, from his look, he seemed utterly convinced!
