Ning Qi observed carefully, his eyes growing increasingly astonished. Unconsciously, a faint golden light flickered in his gaze. Looking again at the strange mountain among the clouds, it was as if he saw a celestial crane preparing to take flight, about to transform and ascend.
He had previously used the All-Seeing Golden Eyes to observe the aura of Zhenwu Mountain, like a divine sword descending from the heavens, but the celestial crane's transformative momentum before him was on a different level.
"This Zhenxuan Mountain... the aura is extraordinary!" he whispered in admiration.
The closer one got, the more one could see its exceptional nature.
Mountains and waters nurture people; this is not an empty saying. Certain places blessed with exceptional spiritual energy offer immense benefits to those who reside there for years.
Li Ling also nodded in agreement:
"This scene of Zhenxuan Mountain is indeed beautiful. Within the Great Yan Dynasty, very few places can rival it."
Everyone was somewhat amazed.
This was the very meaning of traveling to gain experience. Otherwise, staying confined to Zhenwu Mountain, one would never understand the vastness of the world.
Daoist Longshan smiled and stroked his beard:
"This involves a certain rumor."
Everyone turned their gaze to him. Zhuang Chen quickly asked:
"Master, what rumor?"
Daoist Longshan glanced around lightly and chided:
"Since you have decided to come to the Zhenxuan Sect, how can you not first understand many pieces of information about the Zhenxuan Sect? You should reflect on yourselves."
Everyone felt ashamed.
Only Ning Qi smiled slightly.
"Xiao Jiu, you come and tell them."
Ning Qi said:
"You all know that the Zhenxuan Sect was founded by the True Immortal of Zhenxuan. Although there are many Daoist sects in the world, if you trace the lineage, few can surpass the Zhenxuan Sect. It may rank fifth among the Daoist sects, but in terms of long inheritance, even the top sect, the Yin-Yang Sect, is far inferior."
"However, rumor has it that when the True Immortal established the Zhenxuan Sect on Zhenxuan Mountain, there were quite a few twists and turns."
Everyone's curiosity was piqued.
The sound of the carriage wheels rolled rhythmically.
A loud laugh came from afar:
"I didn't expect young Daoist Ning Qi to know quite well the history of our Zhenxuan Sect."
Hearing the voice, everyone looked over.
They saw a group of white-robed Daoists with flowing golden cloud patterns on their sleeves approaching. The leader was none other than Daoist Baihe.
Daoist Longshan hurriedly greeted with a Daoist salute:
"Greetings, Daoist Baihe. Greetings to all Daoist friends."
Daoist Baihe promptly returned the greeting:
"Daoist Longshan, thank you for coming from afar. My master is currently bathing and changing clothes, burning incense to focus. Please forgive him."
Everyone smiled, the atmosphere harmonious.
In recent years, the relationship between the Zhenwu Sect and the Zhenxuan Sect had become very cordial, with frequent exchanges among disciples.
Daoist Baihe glanced subtly at Ning Qi. He recalled what Daoist Baishan said some days ago and was still shocked. Three years ago, this child had already reached the White Mist Realm; now, no one knew what realm he had reached—perhaps the Jade Liquid Realm or even the Origin Core Realm?
But what silently made him gape was that no matter how he tried to investigate, he could not see through a single bit of truth or falsehood.
In response to Ning Qi's gentle gaze, he smiled, even more amazed in his heart.
This child was indeed no ordinary person!
Walking side by side with Daoist Longshan, Daoist Baihe continued the topic Ning Qi had not finished:
"When the Patriarch True Immortal established the Zhenxuan Sect, there was indeed quite a commotion. To be honest, this Zhenxuan Mountain was actually seized by the Patriarch True Immortal."
A playful smile appeared on his face.
"At that time, when the True Immortal discovered Zhenxuan Mountain, he was not alone; there was a companion—a Buddha. The two were originally friends, but after reaching Zhenxuan Mountain, a conflict arose."
"At that time, Zhenxuan Mountain nurtured a rare tree that bore fruit once every hundred years. According to reason, the two should share it, but the Buddha naturally claimed the fruit was his destiny and hoped the True Immortal would give it to him."
"The True Immortal was usually carefree, but upon hearing this, he became unwilling to yield. The two argued endlessly and finally fought."
"Of course, the Buddha was no match for the True Immortal and was driven away. The True Immortal became more and more angry. To prevent the Buddha from sneaking back, he simply named the mountain Zhenxuan Mountain and established the Zhenxuan Sect there!"
Everyone smiled wryly.
This True Immortal was quite a character.
I can give you something, but you cannot ask for it; otherwise, even feeding it to a dog won't happen.
Ning Qi chuckled lightly, also somewhat surprised. He only knew that Zhenxuan Mountain was snatched from someone else but did not know that the other opponent was a Buddha. A Buddha is a Martial Sage Realm expert within the Buddhist school, equally powerful.
However, in today's Great Yan Dynasty, the Daoist sects flourish while the Buddhist sect is somewhat declining.
Throughout history, Daoism and Buddhism have always competed. Sometimes Daoism flourishes, sometimes Buddhism shines, sometimes they coexist. Such times often breed Dao-Buddhist conflicts.
Daoist Baihe continued:
"After the True Immortal established the Zhenxuan Sect here, the rare tree became the sect's treasured relic. Unfortunately… as time passed, descendants were incapable, and at some generation, the rare tree was lost."
He expressed some regret.
Daoist Longshan comforted:
"With such a long inheritance, some setbacks are natural. What matters is that the legacy continues unbroken, which honors the Patriarch."
He recalled the Zhenwu legacy.
In former eras, the Zhenwu legacy was undoubtedly brilliant but also lost. His current rebuilding of the Zhenwu Sect was merely a continuation, with no real connection to the old Zhenwu Sect.
Daoist Baihe smiled and waved his hand.
He began earnestly introducing the many scenic spots of Zhenxuan Mountain to everyone.
As they proceeded, numerous Daoist palaces rose and fell, their restrained elegant aura magnificent within.
Many disciples were internally amazed; all they saw and heard revealed the profound foundation of the Zhenxuan Sect. Only now did they realize no martial sect in the world could be underestimated. Such thoughts gradually calmed their slight restlessness and brought feelings of shame.
Daoist Longshan nodded silently.
Recently, the Zhenwu Sect had developed rapidly. Coupled with the formidable reputation of Heavenly Sword True Immortal, many Zhenwu disciples had grown arrogant. Some even believed that others were no match and that Zhenwu Sect could claim to be the world's top.
But one must understand: no matter how strong Heavenly Sword True Immortal was, it was only himself. Though the Zhenwu Sect had unlimited potential, it was still accumulating strength.
Seeing the deep foundation of the Zhenxuan Sect now was enough to make many disciples reflect. Bringing what they saw and heard back to Zhenwu Mountain was a good thing.
This was the very meaning of experience.
However, Ning Qi's focus was obviously elsewhere. After entering Zhenxuan Mountain, he carefully sensed the mountain's aura trend, growing more solemn. He vaguely sensed that the celestial crane momentum was truly coming alive!
"The Zhenxuan Sect has a peerless powerhouse!" Ning Qi was certain.
Such a scene was a man merging with heaven, unconsciously altering fate. Over time, it would become increasingly obvious.
At least a Blade Demon-level expert, possibly even beyond.
However, Ning Qi had no intention of probing further.
Everyone had their secrets; there was no need to chase everything.
Soon, they arrived at the guesthouse. The pavilions and palaces were also extraordinary.
Daoist Baihe had just exchanged a few words with Daoist Longshan when a disciple came to report again.
Daoist Baihe apologized:
"Daoist Longshan, the grand ceremony starts the day after tomorrow. For these two days, please feel free to do as you please. If you want to wander around, just tell Qing Ling; he will guide you."
The young Daoist beside him quickly saluted.
Daoist Longshan understood well. Having organized the Heaven-Man Ascension Ceremony before, he knew the effort involved. At that time, the Zhenwu Sect was not famous, and few Heaven-Man Realm experts came to support. Now with the Zhenxuan Sect's scale, there were probably a dozen or twenty Heaven-Man Realm experts. Daoist Baihe hurried off, clearly another Heaven-Man Realm powerhouse had arrived.
He sighed inwardly, feeling as if his own Heaven-Man Ascension Ceremony had happened just yesterday.
Many Zhenwu disciples set down their luggage and whispered excitedly, looking forward to the grand ceremony two days hence.
After tidying up, they set out together, led by Zhenxuan disciples to tour around.
Only Ning Qi and Daoist Longshan stayed in the guesthouse.
...
Ning Qi held a Daoist scripture in his hands, his thoughts wandering.
The different environment gave him a different mindset. Though it seemed he was focused on the scripture, in fact, he was more aware of his surroundings than the others. His gains were considerable, and he felt his thoughts had opened greatly.
"Reading ten thousand books and traveling ten thousand miles, indeed so."
He continued pondering Martial Sage power but did not take out the Yu King Bead for detailed comprehension, after all, this was someone else's territory, better to keep a low profile.
After some unknown time, Ning Qi's spirit trembled lightly, awakening from his state of enlightenment.
He raised his brow, then returned to calm.
Not long after, a somewhat sly old Daoist in purple robes sneaked in quietly. He grinned, tiptoed behind Ning Qi, and lightly patted him:
"Little kid, you still love reading Daoist scriptures so much, huh?"
Ning Qi pretended to be startled and instinctively swung the scripture backward, causing the smiling old Daoist to get hit solidly.
"Ouch! You brat, you don't know how to respect your elders!" He made a sour face, pointing at Ning Qi, feeling awkward whether to scold or not.
Ning Qi smiled brightly:
"So it's you, old Daoist. I thought the Zhenxuan Sect had been infiltrated by thieves. Sorry, sorry."
Daoist Baishan's teeth itched with anger.
He always felt Ning Qi was intentional but had no evidence.
"You brat!" He pointed a finger at Ning Qi, then finally laughed.
Daoist Baishan grabbed a snow pear from the table and began munching.
Ning Qi laughed:
"Daoist Baihe said you were bathing and changing clothes, burning incense to calm your mind. Why did you come here?"
Daoist Baishan curled his mouth:
"All those tedious rules are rubbish. I heard you arrived, so I sneaked out immediately. Where's the little White Ape? You little kid, are you afraid I'll snatch the little White Ape? Such fun things, and you don't bring him!"
Ning Qi just glanced at him sideways, focusing on the scripture in his hand.
But deep inside, he was surprised.
Because... Daoist Baishan seemed strange.
He actually could not see through him.
Logically, with his current strength, a mere newly advanced Heaven-Man Realm expert should not escape his All-Seeing Golden Eyes. Yet Daoist Baishan's aura was odd—somewhat like Heaven-Man Realm, yet not quite.
"This old Daoist is indeed somewhat strange," he thought. He recalled the old Daoist's jest that once entering Heaven-Man Realm, directly pointing to Martial Sage, world invincibility would soon follow. But he didn't want to probe too deeply; this was someone else's secret.
But Ning Qi did not know.
Opposite him, the old Daoist was equally surprised.
Because he also could not see through Ning Qi.
"This little brat is quite a demon! Three years ago, I could still tell he was at White Mist Realm. How has he become so unfathomable three years later? A demon indeed, truly a demon!" he silently marveled.
After all, he was no longer the same. Not only had he awakened ancient wisdom, but even his power layers had begun to awaken. Yet he couldn't grasp Ning Qi's bottom line.
It truly amazed him.
However, he was open-minded and after silently praising, he didn't mind. What he valued most about Ning Qi was not his cultivation but that natural Daoist demeanor. Only Ning Qi dared to show him disdain so freely, doing as he pleased, which made him happy.
Seeing Ning Qi ignore him, fully absorbed in the scripture, Daoist Baishan grinned:
"Little kid, now that I've stepped into Heaven-Man Realm, do you regret underestimating me?"
He was somewhat smug.
But Ning Qi only gave a faint "Oh."
Daoist Baishan immediately panicked:
"This is Heaven-Man Realm! One in a hundred million Heaven-Man Realm! If you say some sweet words to me, I'll protect you so you can rampage the world!"
Ning Qi turned two pages of the scripture and slowly said:
"You breaking through Heaven-Man Realm doesn't benefit me. If so, whether you advance or not has nothing to do with me."
Daoist Baishan was stunned.
Seems... that makes sense?
He quickly shook his head:
"No, how can it not concern you? Didn't you forget our agreement? When I step into Heaven-Man Realm, I'll take you to pillage all Daoist sects in the world, and we'll share the spoils! After the Heaven-Man Ascension Ceremony ends, we'll be!"
Ning Qi flipped back to the scripture.
He smiled faintly:
"Big talk, no thanks."
Daoist Baishan panicked again:
"Who's painting big talk? I'm seriously discussing great achievements with you! Achievements, understand? What, you don't believe my strength? I tell you, though I just stepped into Heaven-Man Realm, most Heaven-Man Realm experts in the world can't beat me."
He said proudly.
But Ning Qi just calmly watched him, as if waiting for a show.
Daoist Baishan scratched his head and ears anxiously.
"No, why don't you believe me?"
Ning Qi was about to open the scripture again.
Daoist Baishan hurriedly closed it:
"You tell me, what will make you believe me?"
Ning Qi replied calmly:
"If you want to take me to pillage all Daoist sects, then the Zhenxuan Sect is also among them, right?"
Daoist Baishan was stunned.
What a unique perspective.
But then he laughed:
"Fair enough. Let's go. I'll take you to the Zhenxuan Sect's Scripture Library now!"
"Really go?"
This time Ning Qi was stunned. He had just been teasing the old Daoist, but now he was serious?
Daoist Baishan looked pleased:
"Right now! You think I'd lie?"
Saying that, he grabbed Ning Qi's sleeve and sneaked out.
A moment later, the two snuck into the Scripture Library. Daoist Baishan waved his hand, and several guarding Daoists hidden in the shadows immediately fell asleep.
Looking at the vast collection of scriptures inside, Ning Qi's eyes brightened.
Wow, the Zhenxuan Sect's foundation is truly deep!