A gentle breeze carried no form, yet the unique fragrance of the Enlightenment Tea Tree lingered around. Ning Qi calmed his mind, gradually soothing the restlessness in his heart. Thoughts flashed through his mind as he carefully pondered the connections behind this information.
"Perhaps... the situation isn't as dire as I imagined."
"I must admit, the tragic scene of the giant ape I witnessed deep within Tiansheng's bloodline greatly impacted me. But upon reflection, does the same hold true now? The timing of that vision remains unknown, but it must have occurred in an extremely distant past. After such a long time, would the terror of the world's energy still be as overwhelming?"
Ning Qi believed it likely wasn't.
"Even if anomalies remain in the world's energy, their intensity may have lessened."
"Evidence lies in the fact that Martial Saints still exist today! After all, the path to becoming a Martial Saint involves refining the world's energy into one's body."
His eyes gradually brightened as he found direction.
"First is the Great Yan Martial Saint! If he has survived this long, he must have found a solution. This suggests the changes in the world's energy aren't unsolvable."
"Second are the Martial Saint secret techniques of the Demonic Sect and Southern Alliance. According to the Demonic Sect's Grand Elder, the sect once produced a Martial Saint using their Sacred Pills method, but he was eliminated by the Great Yan Martial Saint. Does this mean the terror hidden within the world's energy isn't as severe as I imagined?"
"Lastly, there's the Yu King Bead. It contains condensed Martial Saint power—or rather, refined world's energy—yet no other terrifying phenomena have occurred. Does this mean the changes in world's energy only affect living beings?"
These were the three directions Ning Qi could explore.
But their difficulties varied.
The Great Yan Martial Saint's stance remained unclear—he might very well be the one erasing Martial Saint techniques. Approaching him recklessly could invite disaster.
The Demonic Sect now only had its leader barely surviving, his whereabouts unknown. Only the Southern Alliance's Blood Emperor Gu method might offer some hope.
"The most accessible path remains the Yu King Bead. Studying its Martial Saint power may reveal some answers. As for the Southern Alliance... I wonder if I can obtain information from Lan Yiyi?"
Yet thinking of this, Ning Qi felt somewhat ashamed.
Regardless, Lan Yiyi had come to save Qin Yun. If she chose not to disclose anything about the Southern Alliance, Ning Qi wouldn't force her. He could seek other methods later.
"For now, I'll focus entirely on studying the Yu King Bead."
Taking a deep breath, Ning Qi decided his next cultivation direction.
Having reached the Perfect Heaven-Man Realm, he could progress no further in cultivation. All he could do was strengthen his combat abilities—whether through secret techniques, martial intent refinement, or other means. Of course, the most crucial task remained identifying the issue with the world's energy. No matter how strong one became within the same realm, it couldn't compare to ascending to a higher realm—that was a difference in life's essence.
After some thought, the White Ape gradually awakened.
Unaware of what had transpired, he only felt his bloodline had suddenly developed significantly. Strands of power continuously emerged—given time to digest these gains, he believed he could even contend with Heaven-Man Realm cultivators. His martial path would correspondingly rise with this progress.
The White Ape was overjoyed.
"Thank you, teacher!" He bowed respectfully.
Ning Qi simply smiled and waved his hand. Then, recalling the silver giant ape's tragic fate, he solemnly advised:
"Tiansheng, if you notice any anomalies in your bloodline in the future—especially changes related to the world's energy—inform me immediately. Don't take this lightly!"
Seeing Ning Qi's seriousness, Yuan Tiansheng grew somewhat fearful and quickly nodded in agreement.
A thought suddenly struck Ning Qi.
Perhaps the Beast Emperor of the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains was another avenue to explore.
"The Beast Emperor exists on par with Martial Saints. He might very well be a descendant of Heavenly Beasts who awakened and developed their bloodline to a certain level. I should visit the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains when possible."
Dismissing distracting thoughts, he turned to look outside the courtyard.
Two figures approached together—Zhuang Chen and Li Ling.
Since Ning Qi's identity was revealed, the two had visited every half-month for sword guidance. Ning Qi taught them equally without favoritism.
Though Li Ling's sword talent couldn't compare to Zhuang Chen's Innate Sword Bones, his sincere dedication was commendable. Ning Qi taught him the Innate Sword Body Secret Art, using this opportunity to research whether one could forge a special constitution akin to "Innate Sword Bones."
"Ninth Senior Brother!" The two greeted with bows, eyes filled with admiration.
Ning Qi smiled and nodded.
They had improved significantly. When they first learned his identity, their sword lessons had been stiff and formal, devoid of their usual casualness—the reputation of the Heavenly Sword True Immortal was simply too overwhelming. But as they grew accustomed, they realized Ning Qi remained the same composed ninth senior brother, gradually returning to normal—though their admiration and respect only deepened.
Unconsciously, Ning Qi had become their role model.
"Sit cross-legged here."
He intended to re-examine Zhuang Chen's Innate Sword Bones, curious if reaching Perfect Heaven-Man would reveal new changes.
They complied respectfully.
...
An hour later.
Zhuang Chen and Li Ling left excitedly, taking the White Ape with them. The trio spent all their free time together, forming a close bond—though technically, Zhuang Chen and Li Ling were the ape's martial uncles.
Ning Qi shook his head helplessly.
During the lesson, he had attempted to resonate with Zhuang Chen's Innate Sword Bones using Divine Intent, but saw no additional visions—only greater clarity than before.
"It seems Innate Sword Bones differ somewhat from Heavenly Beast bloodline inheritance," Ning Qi mused.
But this was expected.
The Seeking Dao Courtyard regained its tranquility.
A faintly blood-colored treasure orb hovered before Ning Qi.
The Yu King Bead—a Martial Saint relic obtained from the Demonic Sect's Grand Elder. Since acquiring it, Ning Qi had continuously studied it, though with limited results—only achieving more flexible control over the relic.
To him, its greatest value lay in the Martial Saint power it contained.
"Until I develop an alternative method for condensing Martial Saint power, what's inside will deplete with use. I must conserve it."
The Martial Saint power within the Yu King Bead was condensed using the bloodlines of numerous Great Yu descendants as a medium. With no Great Yu descendants now available, Ning Qi had restrained his research.
But having reached Perfect Heaven-Man Realm with Three Blossoms Converged, his efficiency could be maximized.
With a thought, Divine Intent activated.
A crimson ribbon shot from the Yu King Bead, coiling around Ning Qi like a living serpent. The power it contained was astonishing, yet even inactive, the ribbon slowly dissipated—strands of energy returning to the world.
Not daring to waste time, Ning Qi entered peak condition with Three Blossoms Converged, carefully observing and comprehending its mysteries.
...
Time passed.
Glimmers of understanding surfaced in his mind.
"This power is incredible. World energy is normally stagnant, only moved and controlled by external forces. Yet once refined, it gains a peculiar vitality—this must relate to Martial Saint power's strength."
"But how does one acquire this vitality? The Yu King Bead's power is key—it can condense world energy into Martial Saint power through special circulation methods. Understanding this principle might even lead to a Martial Saint technique."
"Perhaps... I could attempt merging this crimson ribbon into myself?"
But as this thought emerged, Ning Qi's intuition screamed warning—something terrible would happen.
He immediately dismissed the idea.
His Divine Intuition far surpassed others', allowing him to sense the hidden terror within world energy upon reaching Heaven-Man Realm. This wasn't random—it was a genuine warning.
"It seems the Yu King Bead's condensed crimson ribbon also has issues. Using it offensively might work, but attempting to refine it into my body would invite the same problems."
Shifting his focus, Ning Qi adjusted his deduction direction.
"First, I must quickly decipher a new method for condensing Martial Saint power to avoid exhausting this resource."
"Second, explore more applications—the Demonic Sect Grand Elder's usage was too crude with limited potential."
"Lastly, see if I can safely deduce the issue with world energy."
With clear goals, Ning Qi's deductions became more focused.
But this was no ordinary object—it demanded tremendous mental effort.
As time passed and the sun set, Ning Qi's brows showed faint traces of exhaustion. Seeing the slightly diminished crimson ribbon, he withdrew it back into the Yu King Bead, which had paled further. Though pained by the necessary loss, he had no choice.
"I'll continue deductions tomorrow. At this rate, the Yu King Bead's Martial Saint power will last two months at most. Within that time, I must decipher a new condensation method!"
Though feeling some pressure, Ning Qi was more eager than ever—he wanted to test the limits of his comprehension.
...
Time flowed steadily.
The Seeking Dao Courtyard's peach blossoms grew more vibrant. Nourished by dozens of Heaven-Man Realm cultivators' essence, both the Enlightenment Tea Tree and Zhenwu Peach Tree transformed at astonishing speeds, changing almost daily—making Luo Wentian and others eagerly anticipate this year's Zhenwu Peach Blossom Festival.
Yet they held a greater wish—that Qin Yun might awaken before the festival, allowing a true reunion of martial brothers.
Daily, disciples visited Mingwu Pavilion to check on Qin Yun and Lan Yiyi's conditions.
Four months had passed since Lan Yiyi ascended Zhenwu Mountain. The Shared-Life Gu larval form was nearly complete, yet neither had awakened. Had Lan Yiyi not previously stated this would take three to six months, everyone would have grown anxious.
On this day, Ning Qi continued studying the Yu King Bead in the Seeking Dao Courtyard. Having gained some insight, with more attempts he could deduce an alternative to bloodline mediation—then he wouldn't need to ration the bead's power so carefully.
Just as he prepared to enter contemplation, the White Ape came running.
Panting slightly, he said, "Teacher, Grandmaster asks you to come to Mingwu Pavilion!"
Ning Qi opened his eyes, heart leaping.
"Has Eighth Senior Brother awakened?"
The White Ape scratched his head.
"It seems not—it's that Miss Lan Yiyi."
In a flash, Ning Qi vanished from the courtyard. Hands clasped behind his back, he traversed distance effortlessly, arriving outside Mingwu Pavilion in mere breaths.
"Senior Brother, is there a problem?" He asked immediately upon seeing Luo Wentian.
Luo Wentian shook his head.
"Miss Yiyi wishes to see you."
With that, he respectfully departed with Daoist Longshan.
Only Lan Yiyi and Ning Qi remained in Mingwu Pavilion.
Puzzled, Ning Qi approached the black ice jade bed to find Lan Yiyi awake, standing dazedly by the bedside, staring at Qin Yun's face. Qin Yun's complexion had improved noticeably—Ning Qi could sense a miraculous power developing within him.
"Miss Yiyi," Ning Qi said softly.
"You came?" Lan Yiyi glanced at him. "Don't worry, everything proceeds smoothly. The Shared-Life Gu larva has been implanted in Qin Yun. In one or two months, once the larva transfers lifespan, he'll awaken."
Ning Qi relaxed slightly.
"Thank you, Miss Yiyi. Eighth Senior Brother's recovery is entirely due to your assistance. I won't forget this kindness."
Lan Yiyi smiled faintly and shook her head.
"I did this willingly."
Sighing inwardly, Ning Qi asked, "Did you call me here for something?"
Lan Yiyi turned fully, examining Ning Qi carefully for the first time. His extraordinary demeanor surpassed many Heaven-Man experts she'd met, clearly marking his uniqueness.
Taking a deep breath, she said slowly:
"Qin Yun... actually spoke of you."
Ning Qi stiffened slightly but didn't interrupt.
Her gaze grew distant with memory.
"He told me fragments of the past... how overjoyed he was when you first came up the mountain—finally becoming a senior brother... how he wanted to become the world's greatest, fulfilling his master's wish of revitalizing Zhenwu... how hard he always worked..."
"He said... he regretted everything. That he failed as both senior brother and disciple..."
"That he strayed from the path, unsure if he could turn back. If given the chance, he wanted to apologize to you in person."
Ning Qi listened, emotions in turmoil.
Over the years, he'd often reflected on those events. Sometimes he wondered—had he not concealed his cultivation from Qin Yun, might things have been different? But his peerless comprehension couldn't control human nature.
Softly, Ning Qi said, "Thank you."
Lan Yiyi shook her head.
"I only wished to tell you Qin Yun's thoughts these years. He made mistakes, but suffered greatly. If possible, I hope you can forgive him."
Gazing at Qin Yun's aged face, countless thoughts flooded Ning Qi's mind—he saw again the genuinely excited youth from eleven years ago when they first met on the mountain.
"Don't worry. Truthfully, I never blamed Eighth Senior Brother. Perhaps I share some fault too. Now that we have this second chance, we'll cherish it properly."
Lan Yiyi smiled—even through her veil, her relief was palpable.
"In that case, I should descend the mountain."
Ning Qi said solemnly:
"Regardless, Eighth Senior Brother's recovery owes everything to you. I owe you a favor—if ever needed, simply send word."
The Southern Alliance was one matter, Lan Yiyi another—he distinguished clearly.
Surprised, Lan Yiyi's eyes curved happily.
"Alright!"
She didn't take Ning Qi's promise seriously, simply glad her efforts were acknowledged.
As Ning Qi escorted her from Mingwu Pavilion, neither noticed the faint tear tracks on Qin Yun's aged face.