As Dragon Mountain Daoist continued his explanation, torrents of insight erupted within Ning Qi's mind.
If understanding could be quantified, then in this instant, a hundred realizations were born in a single breath. Ideas he had once pondered in isolation—fragmented and incomplete—now aligned perfectly with the framework of the Martial Dao, fitting together like pieces of a grand puzzle.
Only now did Ning Qi truly comprehend the meaning of Martial Dao cultivation.
Compared to creating a path from nothing, walking a road paved by generations of predecessors was incomparably easier.
Of course—this was true only for him.
Not far away, Luo Wentian and Bear Stone stood in silent reverence, awe unmistakable in their eyes.
Both of them had cultivated a primary Stance and dabbled in others, yet their understanding remained limited. Only a master nearing the Celestial Realm could unify the principles of the True Martial Nine Stances and reveal their shared essence so effortlessly.
"Master is likely only a step away from the Celestial Realm," they thought simultaneously, admiration rising unbidden.
Dragon Mountain Daoist finally came to a halt. His expression grew solemn.
"Ning Qi. Do you understand?"
Ning Qi bowed respectfully. "This disciple understands."
Dragon Mountain Daoist stepped aside.
"Then demonstrate."
Luo Wentian and Bear Stone exchanged glances, faint smiles forming.
They remembered all too well their own first attempts at Stance cultivation—how confident they had been, how quickly that confidence had been crushed.
Superior-grade Stances were designed precisely to temper arrogance.
Perfect imitation meant nothing. Without correct breathing, rhythm, and inner intent, the stance was hollow. To grasp even a fraction of its Divine Intent required years of refinement.
Even Qin Yun, the most talented among them, had stumbled at this stage.
"Talent aside," Luo Wentian thought, "even Ning Qi must bow before a superior-grade Stance."
They prepared themselves to watch a lesson unfold.
Ning Qi, however, was unaware of their expectations.
He recalled Dragon Mountain Daoist's movements in their entirety. With every heartbeat, his comprehension deepened.
"Please guide me, Master."
As his voice fell, Ning Qi stepped forward.
He spread his stance.
In that instant, his aura changed.
Luo Wentian and Bear Stone had yet to react, but Dragon Mountain Daoist's pupils contracted sharply.
"That posture—?!"
The correct starting form.
He had deliberately not explained it.
Before the thought could settle, Ning Qi began to move.
He exhaled slowly, expression solemn, executing the first form—Bixi Sits Upon the Mountain.
Though his body was young, every motion was precise. From external posture to internal circulation, nothing was amiss.
Bixi resembled a tiger, yet surpassed it—heavy, ancient, unyielding.
At that moment, Ning Qi resembled a young divine beast, strength coiled within stillness.
A faint wind stirred across the training ground.
White mist rose from Ning Qi's skin as sweat evaporated instantly. His flesh flushed red, veins subtly bulging—clear signs that Body Tempering had begun.
Refining Skin.
Dragon Mountain Daoist had yet to explain how the Stance guided Body Tempering—yet Ning Qi had already grasped it.
Drawing upon his prior experience circulating Qi through the Innate Fetal Breathing and Congenital Bone Tempering techniques, he guided the Stance-born Qi naturally along his skin membranes.
To him, this felt instinctive.
Luo Wentian and Bear Stone froze.
Their arms, once crossed in anticipation, slowly fell.
Shock overtook their expressions.
Executing the Stance flawlessly after mere observation was already unbelievable.
Beginning Refining Skin immediately afterward?
This was no genius.
This was a monster.
They instinctively glanced at Dragon Mountain Daoist.
The old Daoist's face remained composed, but his beard trembled ever so slightly.
Inside, his heart was in turmoil.
He had seen countless prodigies in his lifetime—disciples, rivals, even enemies.
But never one like Ning Qi.
Comprehension bordering on the absurd.
If Ning Qi had inherited the True Martial Legacy all those years ago… Dragon Mountain Daoist dared not finish the thought.
Perhaps the Celestial Realm would have been reached decades prior.
Perhaps even the Martial Saint Realm…
His heart burned with fervor.
Meanwhile, Ning Qi remained immersed in cultivation.
Each repetition brought new understanding.
The first cycle was slightly stiff.
The second flowed smoothly.
By the third, his movements were seamless.
By the fifth, he had already brushed against the threshold of Bixi's Divine Intent.
Wisely, Ning Qi stopped.
He could sense that continuing would draw too much attention.
"Master," he said respectfully, awaiting instruction.
Dragon Mountain Daoist exhaled slowly before breaking into a rare smile.
"Excellent."
Then, glancing at the others, he added lightly,
"You are far stronger than your few useless Senior Brothers—and Senior Sister."
Luo Wentian and Bear Stone staggered internally, faces flushing.
Dragon Mountain Daoist wanted to point out flaws—but found none.
At last, he spoke from experience.
"From today onward, focus on Stance cultivation and Body Tempering. Medicinal baths will aid your progress—but moderation is key. Preserve your Origin and persevere steadily."
"This disciple will obey."
Ning Qi bowed deeply.
Dragon Mountain Daoist nodded, gaze filled with anticipation.
Five years.
Perhaps less.
If Ning Qi completed Body Tempering by then, he would be only eight years old.
An eight-year-old Inner Yuan cultivator.
The thought alone felt unreal.
Yet before his eyes stood proof.
The decline of True Martial Sect—
might finally be coming to an end.
The dawn of True Martial had arrived.