Daoist Baishan still could not figure it out.
How exactly did Ning Qi manage to reach Perfect Heaven-Man Realm at just eleven years old? Not only that, he could also control Martial Sage relics and wield spiritual energy with such mastery that he was not inferior to them old-timers at all.
He had no doubt that once the spiritual opportunity fully awakened and the method was obtained, Ning Qi could easily break into the Martial Sage Realm.
"Never in history have I seen such a prodigy. It's a pity and a sorrow. If only he had appeared earlier, perhaps everything would have changed." He sighed softly in his heart.
Ning Qi nodded slowly, his eyes revealing a sudden understanding.
"I see. So what you want to eliminate is Martial Sages born purely through self-cultivation, not those born by borrowing external forces. In other words, Martial Sages born with external assistance do not pose a real threat to you?" Ning Qi tilted his head and looked over.
Daoist Baishan gave a bitter smile:
"You're trying to get me to spill the beans again, kid."
Ning Qi pouted:
"Fine, I won't ask anymore. But telling me when this so-called spiritual opportunity revival will happen shouldn't be a problem, right?"
Daoist Baishan breathed a sigh of relief:
"That's not a problem. In about a year, the spiritual opportunity will fully awaken and burst forth. Then, for a while, it will reach its peak. At that time, many miraculous changes will occur in the world. It's a rare chance that can't be sought at will."
"If you can obtain the Martial Sage method ahead of time, you can take advantage and break into the Martial Sage Realm directly. I am bound by certain agreements and cannot give you the Martial Sage method directly, but someone else can."
Ning Qi's eyes flickered slightly:
"Who?"
Daoist Baishan smiled:
"Your True Martial inheritance."
Ning Qi's spirit surged. Instantly, many thoughts flooded his mind. Back then, Daoist Longshan had told him about the underground palace where the True Martial inheritance was kept. He had even gone to see it in person but only found some traces.
Daoist Baishan continued:
"Your True Martial inheritance is extraordinary. If you can use such a Martial Sage method to build your foundation and coincide with the spiritual opportunity's awakening, you might have the hope of soaring to the heavens."
His eyes carried a certain expectation.
After Ning Qi made his move, Daoist Baishan was already convinced that Ning Qi was not some backup plan laid by that old turtle but simply extremely lucky. It made him a little jealous. This was truly hitting the jackpot. If he were to reincarnate and discover such an earth-shaking prodigy in the Zhenxuan Sect, he might laugh himself silly.
Ning Qi asked:
"Where is it?"
Daoist Baishan looked toward the mountain beyond:
"Unknown for now. But the old turtle will emerge soon. Since your master obtained part of the True Martial inheritance back then, he should know where the True Martial Hall is. Before the spiritual opportunity revives, the True Martial Hall will surely reappear. You must go there at the first chance."
Ning Qi nodded seriously. He did not know who the old turtle Baishan spoke of was, but he guessed it was likely the ancient saint who originated the True Martial inheritance or someone related to it.
He felt a bit excited.
Although he was confident he could invent the Martial Sage method to break through on his own, having a reference would naturally be better. However, he would not pin all his hopes on it. He secretly resolved to fully study the Martial Sage method after returning to the mountain.
He originally planned to go down the mountain afterward to investigate the secret behind the world's anomalies, but judging from Daoist Baishan's attitude, it seemed unlikely he could uncover the truth that way.
The only way was to step into the Martial Sage Realm himself.
"The spiritual opportunity revival is an important milestone. Those ancient saints will likely take this chance to soar and gradually restore their former realms. Ordinary Martial Sages cannot compare. If I want to catch up or even surpass them, I need to keep strengthening my foundation before the revival." A surge of fighting spirit rose in Ning Qi's heart.
Seeing the vastness of the world, he realized his own insignificance.
"Thanks a lot." Ning Qi thanked sincerely.
Daoist Baishan grinned broadly, looking refreshed:
"Hearing that from your mouth is truly rare. It's worth the trouble I went through to persuade you."
Ning Qi just gave a slight sideways glance.
Although he now knew many secrets, the most fundamental problem remained unresolved: what exactly was the terrifying source hidden in the world? From Daoist Baishan's vague attitude, it seemed it might not affect breaking into the Martial Sage Realm but could be a hidden danger.
If possible, Ning Qi still wanted to solve it.
But he did not continue to discuss it, choosing instead to try quietly on his own.
The two unknowingly stepped out of the Scripture Storage Tower.
In the distance, many guests were already bidding farewell to the three True Immortals of the Zhenxuan Sect.
What happened today had truly refreshed their worldview. Only now did they realize that so many ancient saints had not ascended but survived to the present through various means. The chaotic battle among ancient saints today might just be the beginning. It was foreseeable that a new era was about to come and the world would tremble.
They could hardly wait to relay today's events back.
Daoist Baishan folded his hands behind his back and looked afar, feeling sentimental:
"After today, the world is going to change."
Ning Qi was silent.
The ancient saints had returned, regardless of their purpose. At least some ancient saints were dissatisfied with the current state, so conflicts were inevitable, and interests would be reshuffled.
He asked:
"You said before that Martial Sages live no more than three thousand years. How did you manage to live to the present day?"
Daoist Baishan was silent for a moment, his gaze complicated. After a long time, he sighed:
"Each has their methods—reincarnation, self-declaration, bloodline inheritance, maybe other ways as well. But these three are the mainstream."
"But whichever method, there are flaws. Who would want to do this if not forced? Zhenxuan is not truly Zhenxuan; Baishan is not truly Baishan. Who knows who I really am now?"
His soft sigh made Ning Qi's heart sink.
He sensed some confusion and understood the hidden dangers within.
Ning Qi solemnly said:
"Whether it's Zhenxuan or Baishan, as long as the original intention is not forgotten, that is true."
Daoist Baishan was willing to tell him so much, obviously with the intention to mentor. As for why, Ning Qi had some guesses.
Daoist Baishan was stunned for a moment, then laughed heartily with relief:
"That's right. Not forgetting the original intention is the truth."
He continued:
"Old Daoist Baishan and Master Baoshu the Bald Monk use reincarnation. Every so often, they reincarnate and then restore all memories when reaching the Heaven-Man Realm. When their lifespan is about to expire, they reincarnate again, repeating the cycle and struggling through the river of time step by step."
Ning Qi's pupils contracted.
He thought of himself.
For a moment, he wondered if he too was the reincarnation of an ancient saint who had not yet recovered his memories, but immediately shook his head. That was unlikely since he clearly remembered his past life—he came from Blue Star.
"What if one falls during reincarnation?" Ning Qi asked.
Daoist Baishan smiled lightly:
"Then it's truly the end. No matter how great your previous skills, there's no chance of revival. But the stronger the person, the stronger the luck and talent of their reincarnated body, so the chance of falling is smaller."
"Of course, some are unlucky. Many old fellows perished before, but those who have survived to now needed luck."
"Moreover, multiple reincarnations surely have some influence. Memories from each life affect the individual, and some people's personalities change drastically, even going mad."
He spoke casually, but Ning Qi understood the hidden dangers.
"The advantage of reincarnation is waking up earlier. As for self-declaration, it varies. For example, the Barbarian Emperor became one of the earliest to awaken by declaring himself after slaying a Martial Sage, using his luck."
"The bloodline inheritance method is the most dangerous and costly, not for ordinary people."
At this, Ning Qi clearly felt the caution in Daoist Baishan's eyes.
"For example, the one who appeared today continued through bloodline inheritance, which is why he could walk the world and maintain his strength. But the hardships behind it are not for outsiders to know." Daoist Baishan shook his head, his eyes filled with admiration.
Ning Qi whispered:
"The Heaven-Slaying Martial Sage lineage?"
Daoist Baishan was surprised:
"You know?"
Ning Qi nodded:
"We met once before. That elder seemed to hint at me openly and covertly, but at that time, I knew little and did not realize it. When I stopped Baoshu Buddha just now, he should have recognized me."
"I see." Daoist Baishan suddenly understood. "Strictly speaking, he can't be called Heaven-Slaying Martial Sage, but in some ways, he is the continuation of that lineage. You will know more in time."
Ning Qi nodded slightly, understanding this must involve another unspeakable secret, so he did not ask further.
The two strolled leisurely, stepping into the horizon, overlooking the layers of clouds.
After no longer hiding their identities, they were more at ease and spoke freely. Ning Qi felt a long-lost sense of relief. This was the first time he had fully revealed his strength before outsiders.
They chatted continuously, mostly Ning Qi asking and Daoist Baishan answering.
At some unknown time, the golden sun tilted, and Ning Qi exhaled deeply, feeling greatly benefited.
He had always groped forward in the dark, but now with guidance, the feeling was naturally different. Many mysteries were lifted, and the path ahead became much clearer.
"Thanks." Ning Qi said softly.
Daoist Baishan did not laugh or joke but nodded lightly. He patted Ning Qi's shoulder:
"Work hard. I'm counting on you. If those old guys knew you existed, their jaws would drop."
He chuckled again.
Ning Qi smiled lightly and then asked:
"So you'll wait for the spiritual opportunity revival at Zhenxuan Mountain next?"
Daoist Baishan shook his head:
"This Heaven-Man Ascension Ceremony was originally to see if old friends would come. Unexpectedly, only Master Baoshu the Bald Monk showed up. Quite unlucky, but no matter. I'll just be the one to open the curtain on this new era. There are still some things to do."
Ning Qi did not press further.
"If you need any help, just write to me."
Daoist Baishan smiled and nodded. It was hard to say in the future, but for now, Ning Qi's combat power was on par with an ancient saint. If there really was something, he would be a strong support.
Ning Qi strode away.
From behind came Daoist Baishan's voice:
"Ning kid, I'll have those Daoist sects send you some scriptures."
Ning Qi's mouth curved slowly. They had agreed to jointly raid all the Daoist sects. Now that Daoist Baishan's identity was exposed, just hinting a little would make those sects willingly send scriptures. He waved his hand without looking back.
A moment later, Ning Qi met the anxious True Martial Sect members.
They were ready to leave but found Ning Qi missing.
However, Daoist Longshan remained calm, having guessed something. Ning Qi gave him a glance, and he immediately understood. He waved his hand to stop the people who were about to inquire:
"Since Xiao Jiu has returned, let's head back."
The group left.
Daoist Baiye and the others immediately came forward, their attitudes extremely friendly, even more so than when they ascended the mountain. Their eyes showed some amazement toward Daoist Longshan because during the aftermath of the ancient saints' chaotic battle, Daoist Longshan had demonstrated great strength and protected many guests.
"Today was busy. Sorry for not properly hosting the True Immortals. Why not stay a few more days?" Daoist Baixiang tried to persuade. He had a feeling that Daoist Longshan might soon surpass himself. It frightened him a bit since Daoist Longshan had only recently reached the Heaven-Man Realm, but his talent was terrifying.
Daoist Longshan waved and smiled:
"I've troubled you for a few days already. Now that the True Immortal has returned, great changes will likely occur in the world. I must return to Zhenwu Mountain to prepare. I'll come back to personally seek your guidance when I have time."
The Zhenxuan Sect members quickly saluted.
After some polite exchanges, the Zhenxuan Sect members watched the True Martial Sect leave the mountain.
Daoist Baihe could not help but sigh:
"A few years ago, I attended Daoist Longshan's Heaven-Man Ascension Ceremony. I never expected that in such a short time, he would progress so much. It's shameful for me. In my opinion, he already has the strength of the Heaven-Man List level. Such rapid progress is truly terrifying!"
The others nodded.
A voice said calmly:
"He has more than just Heaven-Man List level power. It won't be long before he reaches Perfect Heaven-Man."
The True Immortals stood stunned.
Perfect Heaven-Man?
This was no longer just about talent. To evolve from entering Heaven-Man Realm to Perfect Heaven-Man in a few years required an extraordinary destiny.
Then they reacted immediately:
"Greetings, True Immortal!"
The speaker was naturally Daoist Baishan. He looked toward the True Martial Sect casually waving his hand.
"The True Martial Sect is not simple. We must build good relations with them. Don't think you're superior just because I'm here."
The three True Immortals felt a chill inside:
"Yes, True Immortal!"
They had many speculations and were secretly shocked. The True Immortal's attitude could not be just because of Daoist Longshan. It must mean the True Martial Sect had someone else the True Immortal valued even more. A name appeared simultaneously in their minds.
Heavenly Sword True Immortal.
Daoist Baishan sighed again:
"In the coming year, you should train hard. I will go out to seek some opportunities for you. If any of you can reach Perfect Heaven-Man Realm within a year, I will grant a great blessing."
The three all felt their hearts ignite.