Once the thought arose, Ning Qi's curiosity could no longer be restrained.
"Heavenly Born, come here."
Ning Qi spoke with a gentle smile.
The little white ape instinctively shivered. For some reason, Master's expression felt… dangerous.
"Relax. This is a good thing," Ning Qi said calmly. "If I can clearly investigate the situation inside your body, I may be able to help awaken your bloodline in the future."
The ape's eyes immediately lit up.
During this period, Heavenly Born had grown noticeably taller—already surpassing Ning Qi in height. Whether this was a growth spurt or a sign of something deeper, Ning Qi was unsure. He only knew that once fully matured, the little ape would likely be anything but ordinary.
Placing his palm on the ape's shoulder, Ning Qi hesitated briefly. He had initially considered starting from the head, but dismissed the thought. That was too risky.
"Don't resist."
Soft strands of Inner Strength flowed from his palm, carrying the Soft Water characteristic. Heavenly Born yelped instinctively, then quickly relaxed. Aside from a faint itch, the sensation was surprisingly comfortable.
Yet Ning Qi's brows slowly furrowed.
Once his Inner Strength entered the ape's body, he could sense it for only a brief moment before it dissipated at an alarming speed. It barely penetrated past the skin and flesh.
"So fast… depletion?"
He withdrew his hand, deep in thought.
Inner Strength originated from one's own physical body. When entering another, natural rejection was inevitable.
"It seems my Inner Strength is still not solid enough."
He was not disappointed.
If anything, this result confirmed his direction.
Meanwhile, Heavenly Born, who had been filled with anticipation, now looked slightly crestfallen.
"You little monkey," Ning Qi chuckled, tapping him lightly. "So you're disappointed already? Cultivate properly. Reach Organ Refinement Perfection early, and I'll teach you ventriloquism."
The ape's eyes widened with excitement. He bowed seriously and immediately began practicing.
Ventriloquism did not require vocal cords, but it demanded strong internal organs. Heavenly Born was not far from that threshold.
Ye Qinghe's peach wine… failed again.
However, this time it did not turn sour or rotten. It simply had no taste at all.
She considered this progress.
Fortunately, there was still the batch brewed by Heavenly Born.
This time, she admitted it honestly.
"This wine was brewed together by me and the little white ape."
The True Disciples secretly laughed, but their praise remained sincere.
Dragon Mountain Daoist was still in death seclusion. He would not emerge unless he broke through to the Heavenly Human Realm.
No one knew how long it would take.
One year. Two years.
But no one doubted his success.
If not for Qin Yun's incident weighing on his heart, many believed Dragon Mountain Daoist might have already broken through.
It was rare for everyone to gather in Ning Qi's Seeking Dao Courtyard.
They drank peach wine, ate fresh fruit, and laughed freely.
Qin Yun's departure had instead caused everyone to cherish their bonds more deeply.
"Little Ninth," Bear Stone said honestly, "I always feel the peaches outside your courtyard taste better than anywhere else. Even better than last year."
Ye Qinghe immediately glanced sideways.
"Second Senior Brother, are you saying my wine isn't good?"
Bear Stone panicked and begged forgiveness, causing a round of laughter.
"But truly," someone added, "these peaches are exceptional."
Everyone nodded.
Ning Qi smiled.
"If all Senior Brothers and Sisters enjoy them so much, why not gather here every year when the peaches ripen?"
Several people hesitated.
"Wouldn't that disturb your cultivation?"
Ning Qi shook his head lightly.
Seeking longevity did not mean severing human ties.
Luo Wentian laughed and made the decision on the spot.
"Good. Then every year at this time, no matter what we're doing, we gather here. Let's call it the True Martial Peach Gathering."
Eyes lit up.
Perhaps many years later, this would become a legend of the sect.
"Ning Qi provides the peaches," Ye Qinghe added proudly. "I'll provide the wine."
Laughter echoed through the courtyard.
As the gathering ended and the courtyard returned to silence, Ning Qi felt no disturbance—only calm.
Time passed quietly.
Autumn arrived.
Dragon Mountain Daoist still had not emerged.
Instead, Ning Qi broke through again.
He successfully entered the sixth suspended animation, forging a deeper fusion between body and Inner Strength.
Half a month later, he awoke.
His aura was steady, powerful.
"Seventh Fold."
His Inner Strength could now extend three zhang beyond his body. Its solidity even carried a faint protective aura. If an enemy was careless, the damage would be severe.
Ning Qi felt strong.
As his foundation deepened, he began refining killing techniques—fusing Sword Intent and Fist Intent into layered Inner Strength characteristics.
One such move he named Three-Layered Cold Flame Sword.
Ice. Fire.Vibration. Rotation. Cutting.
If unleashed, even Fifth Brother's Protective Aura would not withstand it.
He attempted once more to probe Heavenly Born's body.
Still failed.
But this only confirmed his hypothesis.
"One more breakthrough… Eight-fold Realm should be enough."
Reaching that level at seven years old felt entirely feasible.
As he pondered, Luo Wentian's voice rang out from outside the courtyard.
"Little Ninth, you're out of seclusion?"
Ning Qi smiled.
"I just came out today."
Luo Wentian nodded.
"Good. If you need anything, just say the word."
Ning Qi believed him completely.
He had never once fought desperately for resources like unaffiliated cultivators. During his weakest years, he had been sheltered.
That alone was a rare fortune.
"How are things in the sect lately?" Ning Qi asked.
"Stable. Just… Master still hasn't emerged."
A hint of worry crossed Luo Wentian's face.
"He will be fine," Ning Qi said calmly.
Just then—
Jiang Baishan's urgent voice echoed from afar.
"Senior Brother—people from the Purple River Sword Sect have arrived again!"