Cultivating with Top Enlightenment

Chapter 123: Chapter 109 Sword Saint Legacy

True Martial Mountain.

Taoist Longshan’s figure stepped through the air. After receiving Ning Qi’s secret letter, he returned at full speed, landing directly outside the Seeking Tao Institute. ”Jiu, do you have any clues?” Taoist Longshan hastily asked.

Ning Qi slowly recounted the events of that night.

The seductive woman’s corpse was still kept by him. Although, as expected, nothing useful was found, Ning Qi temporarily preserved it with Extreme Cold Gang Qi, thinking it might come in handy someday.

At this moment.

As Ning Qi narrates, Taoist Longshan’s expression gradually becomes solemn. ”Southern Border tribes? Blood King Gu?”

Ning Qi nodded and asked: ”Master, how much do you know about the Southern Border?”

This was also the reason for calling Taoist Longshan back; books and records might contain some knowledge, but not all.

Ning Qi roughly understood that the Southern Border lies south of Great Yan, and generations of dynasties tried to conquer it, adding it to their territory, but failed. It carries a mysterious aura among Great Yan’s people, and those strong enough know its strength is exceptionally formidable; otherwise, it would’ve already been annexed by Great Yan.

Taoist Longshan’s gaze carried a hint of wariness: ”Southern Border has Hundred Thousand Mountains, vast and unknown, and besides numerous exotic beasts, what we know is there’s Southern Border tribes. These tribes are scattered throughout the Hundred Thousand Mountains, not quite harmonious among themselves, with mutual conflicts, only heard vaguely they don’t unify like Great Yan into a dynasty, resembling a tribal alliance instead.” ”These tribes rarely contact the outside world, each possessing mysterious means, Gu Manipulation Technique is one. As someone who traveled the world, I’ve heard rumors these tribes cultivate peculiar Gu and integrate them with their martial path, exhibiting various wonders, such as the Strength Gu, which boosts power immensely upon fusion.” ”This Blood King Gu I’ve never heard of, but from its sinister birth process, its utility seems significant, potentially for cultivating Celestial Human Realm martial artists, even... higher!”

Ning Qi was stunned.

But also found it reasonable.

Primordial Core Realm experts are abandoned so easily, couldn’t be just to cultivate some Gang Essence Realm experts with this Blood King Gu; that evidently lacks sense, the investment and the output don’t match. ”The involvement behind this matter is likely substantial; almost certainly, Celestial Being strong persons are involved, sparing the uncertainty that this is perpetrated by a particular Southern Border tribe or several tribal alliances.”

The nature is distinctly different.

If it’s the latter, True Martial Sect probably can’t shake it off. ”I tend to believe only a few tribes are involved; otherwise, they wouldn’t be so cautious.” Ning Qi said.

Snow Plum Manor’s downfall was nine years ago, and Divine Sword Sect was destroyed just recently; if there was significant commotion during this time, it couldn’t have gone unnoticed.

Using this reasoning, it is evident those behind the scenes are greatly wary of Great Yan.

Taoist Longshan agreed with a nod. ”That’s right, perhaps one or two Celestial Human Realm may be behind this, but nothing more than that.” ”This matter requires continuing investigation, whether for you, Jiu, or for Divine Sword brother and Shi, or for those innocent ones, it must be pursued to the end. Now that there’s direction, it’s much better, we can investigate in the direction of human trafficking next, centering around the Human Blood Pool Divine Sword brother mentioned...”

He began to devise a plan.

Ning Qi was constantly adding supplements by his side. ”Those unlike traditional martial artists of Great Yan should also be monitored; combining the two can greatly narrow the scope.”

Master and apprentice soon settled on a strategy, both finding it feasible. ”They may keep a low profile for a while, but as long as they don’t abandon cultivating the so-called Blood King Gu, they will inevitably expose weaknesses.”

Ning Qi nodded and said: ”Exactly, judging by the special Gu insects that woman carried, they might think she would perish instantly encountering Celestial Human Realm, yet they don’t know, we’ve already gathered much information, this is our advantage, now, we are in the dark, they are in the light!”

Taoist Longshan decisively said: ”Jiu, as usual, you remain at True Martial Mountain, while I descend the mountain to investigate.”

This time, he won’t make a grand spectacle, seeking contacts quietly to explore.

In Taoist Longshan’s view, Ning Qi is stronger than himself, better to remain at True Martial Mountain. For instance, last time the woman launched a night raid, had he faced her, capturing her wouldn’t be problematic, but drawing out so much useful information would be impossible.

Of course, he intentionally wants to give Ning Qi more time for cultivation.

His own cultivation progresses slowly now, half a year or a year’s time means little to him, but the same time for Ning Qi brings much greater progress; he hasn’t forgotten Ning Qi is still only nine.

Ning Qi did not decline. ”Master, wear this Cyan Profound Treasure Armor.”

He handed the Cyan Profound Treasure Armor to Taoist Longshan, given they’ve learned Celestial Human Realm experts are involved behind, naturally, concerns for master’s safety arise. Besides, he has Cyan Profound Body Protection Technique now, whose defense surpasses the Cyan Profound Treasure Armor.

Taoist Longshan’s eyes held some surprise, and upon slight perception, he knew the treasure armor’s power, even faintly felt a hint of familiar aura.

Seeing the puzzled look in his master’s eyes, Ning Qi didn’t hide it. ”This was obtained from the last attack by a Demon Sect expert.”

Taoist Longshan was shocked.

He finally recalled where that familiar feeling arose.

That day the Great Yan envoy ascended the mountain, Demon Sect launched a night raid with five Celestial Beings, among which four perished, only the Demon Sect Celestial Being, comparable to Celestial Being List strong person, escaped severely injured by Town North King. During which he tried hitting the drowning dog, but his attack against the armor-clad Elder Wang naturally harmless. ”Didn’t that person escape??” Taoist Longshan’s mind surfaced with numerous questions.

Seeing his disciple smile silently, he instantly realized. ”No wonder Jiu appeared so late that night, it turns out he went to hunt down that thief.”

A dignified Celestial Being List-level strong person was killed by Ning Qi, this feeling made Taoist Longshan unreal, everyone in the world thought that person had fled, but unexpectedly, he was quietly killed by his little disciple. It was likely that this blame had already been placed on the Town North King by the Demon Sect, making him feel a bit amused and helpless.

He marveled in his heart, ultimately not being pretentious, and put away the Treasure Armor.

This was a gesture of filial piety from his disciple.

Ning Qi said with a smile: ”Master, if there is any news, let me know immediately. I know some tracking techniques, let’s not alert the snake in the grass.”

Taoist Longshan nodded solemnly.

He no longer doubted his little disciple’s methods.

Taoist Longshan also met Zhuang Chen. After learning that Zhuang Chen’s injuries had recovered and his Sword Bone was already awakening, he was greatly pleased and offered some words of encouragement. ”I am still investigating your First Master’s enemy. I will definitely give you an explanation. Rest assured and focus on healing. For now, I am short on time to teach you. If there’s anything you don’t understand, consult your Ninth Senior Brother more.”

He did not hide anything from Zhuang Chen and told him that the culprit behind the downfall of the Divine Sword Sect might be related to the Southern Border as well.

Feelings deepen through interactions, and Taoist Longshan, having interacted with Zhuang Chen and understanding his genuine heart, believed that Zhuang Chen would eventually fully acknowledge the True Martial Sect.

Zhuang Chen was moved.

He felt warm.

Although the Divine Sword Sect and his First Master were gone, he had gained a Master who cared for him and a group of senior brothers and sisters who cared for him.

These past few days, Luo Wentian and others frequently visited him. Their sincere concern brought immense warmth to his heart, which had experienced sudden change. ”Thank you, Master!” Zhuang Chen called out sincerely.

He was never one for many thoughts; he remembered kindness shown to him and was grateful to repay it.

Taoist Longshan smiled and waved his hand: ”There’s no need for such formality between master and disciple.”

Seeing that Taoist Longshan was about to leave.

Zhuang Chen remembered something and quickly said: ”Master, before my First Master passed, he instructed me to give you the Sword Saint inheritance he had obtained.”

After burying the Divine Sword Old Man, he had fallen unconscious. Only now did he have the chance to see Taoist Longshan again, and from what he just heard, it seemed that Taoist Longshan would be leaving the mountain again for a while.

Taoist Longshan was startled. If Zhuang Chen hadn’t mentioned it, he almost forgot about it.

He didn’t turn back, only smiled and said: ”You should tell your Ninth Senior Brother.”

Zhuang Chen stared blankly at the back of Taoist Longshan, feeling even more at ease, with a hint of reverence rising in his eyes. ...

The next day.

Taoist Longshan quietly descended the mountain. This time, he did not make a grand exit or cause a stir. Apart from a few True Disciples, even the other members of the True Martial Sect were unaware that Taoist Longshan had already left the mountain.

Inside the Seeking Tao Institute.

Ning Qi was still assisting Zhuang Chen in reversing the Innate Sword Body Secret Technique.

After several days of training, Zhuang Chen had gradually become accustomed to the intense pain. Although he was still quite battered, he was able to endure for increasingly longer periods. This was a unique kind of training for Zhuang Chen, and now his eyes were sharp, like a sword ready to be unsheathed, completely different from before.

It wasn’t until Zhuang Chen collapsed, convulsing on the ground, that Ning Qi stopped.

In his eyes, there was a trace of approval: ”Shi, with the power of your newly reborn Sword Bone, you should be able to run the Innate Sword Body Secret Technique independently. After a month, your Sword Bone will naturally fully awaken, and it may even be stronger than before.”

Ning Qi was no longer worried about the rest. Now that the most painful stage had been endured, reversing the Secret Technique with one’s own power would become easier, requiring only patience.

Zhuang Chen’s eyes were full of gratitude.

But he didn’t express it verbally, only holding it in his heart. During this time spent with his Master and senior brothers and sisters, he learned not to be overly polite, to remember the kindness in his heart and repay it later.

Zhuang Chen began to adjust his breathing.

After a moment.

He looked at Ning Qi and said: ”Ninth Senior Brother, I have finished adjusting my breathing, now I can tell you about my First Master’s Sword Saint inheritance!”

He felt no reluctance, as Ning Qi had been selfless to him, and he would not hold back anything. This might be the only thing he could do to help Ning Qi at this stage.

Ning Qi nodded with a smile: ”Alright.”

There was a bit of anticipation in his eyes.

Although the Sword Saint inheritance obtained by the Divine Sword Old Man was incomplete, it might still provide some insights for him.