Cultivating with Top Enlightenment

Chapter 26: Chapter 26 Divine Sword Old Man

True Martial Mountain was originally called Divine Sword Mountain.

Divine Sword Old Man was the owner of Divine Sword Mountain.

Decades ago.

Taoist Longshan traveled here and met Divine Sword Old Man. Divine Sword Old Man had a fiery temper, and for reasons unknown, the two got into a disagreement. Subsequently, Divine Sword Old Man set a wager himself: if he lost, he would hand over Divine Sword Mountain to him.

Unexpectedly, he miscalculated and lost to Taoist Longshan.

Taoist Longshan declined politely.

But Divine Sword Old Man honored his promise and left with his servants voluntarily.

Ultimately, Taoist Longshan straightforwardly rebuilt the True Martial Sect atop Divine Sword Mountain.

But this matter did not end there.

Divine Sword Old Man was quite dissatisfied. Upon seeing Taoist Longshan establish the True Martial Sect, he also stubbornly founded the Divine Sword Sect, and the two established a ten-year agreement; thereafter, every ten years, Divine Sword Old Man would come to True Martial Mountain to duel with Taoist Longshan.

If he won, he could reclaim True Martial Mountain.

The origins of the rivalry between the two sides were thus formed.

However, it was very evident.

Taoist Longshan was more talented; decades ago, Divine Sword Old Man was merely one move short, but now, Taoist Longshan had reached Primordial Core Perfection, with half a foot into the Celestial Being Realm, while Divine Sword Old Man had just stepped into Primordial Core recently.

The previous ten-year agreements.

Divine Sword Old Man always left crestfallen.

But he always arrived on time.

Thinking of these matters made Ning Qi smile.

In his view, his master and Divine Sword Old Man might have been close friends back then; it’s just that Divine Sword Old Man had a volatile temper and couldn’t swallow his pride.

Now that Divine Sword Old Man was coming up the mountain again to fulfill the agreement, as one of the True Disciples of the True Martial Sect, Ning Qi naturally had to make an appearance.

Ning Qi walked steadily and lightly, with his hands behind his back like a little adult.

Behind him followed the White Ape. Now in a Taoist robe, its white fur gleamed like snow, and its eyes were lively, giving it a fascinating appearance, making Ning Qi look even more extraordinary.

At this moment, the disciples of the True Martial Sect were gathered, and the True Disciples were arriving one by one. ”Is that Ninth Master Uncle?” ”I didn’t expect Ninth Master Uncle to be so young, probably only seven or eight years old. I wonder if he has embarked on the Martial Path yet?”

Some newly initiated third-generation disciples were curious and discussing.

They were surprised to see the usually mischievous White Ape obediently following behind Ning Qi.

Some second-generation disciples were smiling and greeting.

Calling him Ninth Senior Brother.

Ning Qi nodded and smiled.

The True Martial Sect was united and rarely had any shady situations.

Thanks to the improvement of the Body Tempering Powder by Ning Qi, the foundation of the True Martial Sect was already showing, and each Body Tempering Realm disciple’s cultivation exceeded that of their peers. ”Greetings to Master and all Senior Brothers and Sisters.”

Ning Qi walked to the front and bowed respectfully.

The White Ape did the same.

Taoist Longshan stroked his beard and smiled.

Luo Wentian and others, upon seeing Ning Qi, all showed joy, for in the past year, except for some special days, they seldom saw Ning Qi and missed him dearly. ”Jiu, you’ve grown taller!”

Fifth Senior Brother Jiang Baishan said. ”Yes, the little rascal from back then is now growing bigger and bigger.”

Everyone sighed; time indeed flew by.

It felt as if Ning Qi had just been brought to True Martial Mountain yesterday, yet five years had already passed, and Ning Qi had grown so much.

After a while.

Eighth disciple Qin Yun arrived.

He first apologized to Taoist Longshan and then greeted all the senior brothers and sisters with a smile.

In the past two years, Qin Yun had become increasingly diligent in his martial practice, almost turning into a martial fanatic.

His gaze fell on Ning Qi, and he laughed: ”Jiu, you’re here.”

He was somewhat perplexed, unable to discern Ning Qi’s abilities at all.

Ning Qi nodded with a smile: ”I thought I was already hardworking enough, but didn’t expect Eighth Senior Brother to arrive later than me.”

Qin Yun sighed helplessly: ”There’s no choice, my aptitude isn’t enough, so I can only make up with effort.”

Listening to this, Taoist Longshan frowned slightly.

Lately, he concentrated most of his energy on breaking through to the Celestial Being Realm, leaving the sect’s affairs to Senior Disciple Luo Wentian; thus, he hadn’t paid much attention to other disciples. He had heard from Luo Wentian about Qin Yun’s obsessive cultivation before.

Now it seemed more excessive than he imagined.

The Martial Path is about persistence, balance, and moderation.

He planned to talk to Qin Yun sometime.

Given Qin Yun’s talent no less than his own, there’s no need to be in such a rush; steady cultivation would lead to achievements even beyond his own.

As for Ning Qi, he was different.

Taoist Longshan knew that this little disciple couldn’t be judged by normal standards.

While contemplating.

There was movement coming from down the mountain.

Everyone turned to look.

Figures with long swords on their backs swiftly approached, like divine swords in flight; their speed was extremely fast, treating the mountainous terrain as flat ground, and carried a sharp aura with them. ”Is it Divine Sword Step, created by Divine Sword Old Man? Indeed extraordinary.”

Ning Qi nodded to himself.

He habitually observed the subtleties within, gaining some insights that were the nourishment for his growth and foundation.

Taoist Longshan laughed heartily and went forward: ”Divine Sword Brother is indeed punctual; never arrives early, never comes late.”

A cold hum echoed: ”Longshan, you shameless old Taoist, stop with the sarcastic remarks.”

All the disciples of True Martial Sect showed displeasure, yet Taoist Longshan remained cheerful, knowing well Divine Sword Old Man’s inherent personality.

Ning Qi looked ahead.

And saw a vigorous and robust old man appearing before everyone. His eyes were sharp, carrying a long sword on his back, wider and longer than usual, quite tyrannical.

He was none other than Divine Sword Old Man.

Behind Divine Sword Old Man were disciples of the Divine Sword Sect.

These Divine Sword Sect disciples all wore in energetic outfits, were dignified and brilliant, with the aura of swordsmen fully revealed, yet their gaze towards True Martial disciples was hostile, a look Ning Qi found familiar. Generally, when children have their toys snatched by older kids and can’t resist, they carry such an expression.

However, one particular figure caught Ning Qi’s attention.

A fair and chubby little boy, also carrying a sword, looking around curiously, still with a runny nose, appearing not very bright.

He met Ning Qi’s gaze, eyes lit up, smiling foolishly until a beside Divine Sword Sect senior brother pulled him back.

Ning Qi returned the smile. ”Divine Sword Brother, it’s been ten years; you remain as majestic as ever.”

Taoist Longshan exclaimed.

Divine Sword Old Man’s expression softened slightly; he scrutinized Taoist Longshan, secretly astonished, unable to discern clearly.

Divine Sword Old Man couldn’t help but ask: ”Did you take that step?”

Taoist Longshan shook his head: ”Still a bit short.”

Divine Sword Old Man fell silent; after a moment, he sourly said: ”You, shameless Taoist, have indeed been faring well these years on True Martial Mountain.”

Taoist Longshan smiled: ”Thanks to Divine Sword Brother’s blessings, True Martial Mountain is surely a blessed land.”

Divine Sword Old Man’s face darkened, feeling the words of the other so infuriating, yet unable to refute.

He could only snort coldly: ”Don’t be complacent; True Martial Mountain is just temporarily under your care.”

Taoist Longshan shook his head, laughed earnestly: ”As long as Divine Sword Brother speaks, True Martial Mountain is yours again. I’ll simply seek another place.” ”Enough, enough!”

Divine Sword Old Man shouted angrily. ”Spare me with that chatter; I live my life needing no guidance from others. Having lost the wager for True Martial Mountain, I won’t renege; taking it back must be done honorably!” ”Long Shan, do you think you’re not a match for me, thus yielding eagerly?” ”I’m telling you, impossible!” ”Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten the ten-year agreement?”

Divine Sword Old Man’s hair and beard bristled, imposing and fierce, with the disciples of Divine Sword Sect standing tall and proud behind him.