Cultivating with Top Enlightenment Chapter 1001 - 431: Realm Tree Lifeforms (2)
Previously on Cultivating with Top Enlightenment...
In this moment, a profound connection seemed to bind every heart. United as one, irrespective of their cultivation level or standing, all were prepared to rise and defend the recently merged True Martial Spirit Realm. This situation starkly contrasted with the typical conflicts plaguing the world, where nobles often lurked behind the scenes, dispatching their people to fight for selfish gains, frequently resorting to forced conscription. However, the inhabitants of the True Martial Spirit Realm were different; they eagerly volunteered for the battle. Both Ning Qi and the True Martial Spirit Realm were deemed worthy of such unwavering dedication. Ning Qi, as the Realm Venerable, was ready to shoulder every burden himself. Have there ever been masterminds behind wars who willingly bore all responsibilities? They merely utilized their pawns to fight for their objectives. Ning Qi’s brow furrowed slightly. He did not object to everyone joining the fray, but the ultimate adversary in this war was solely the Mountain Ancestor. If everyone were to participate, would they simply be marching to their deaths? Observing Ning Qi, everyone naturally perceived the subtle shift in his expression. In that instant, all beings within the True Martial Spirit Realm seemed to grasp that their Realm Venerable feared for their lives. A wave of emotion surged through them. Where could they possibly find such a compassionate Realm Venerable? Throughout history, few leaders have expressed concern for the casualties among their subordinates during wartime. Some ruthlessly ambitious individuals wouldn't hesitate to sacrifice everyone to achieve their ambitions, demanding war even as resources dwindled and the populace suffered. They were nothing like Ning Qi, who genuinely cared for the lives of those under his command. The inhabitants of the Mountain and Sea Realm, in particular, were deeply moved, especially the cultivators who had survived under the Mountain Ancestor’s dominion. While the Mountain Ancestor was also a Realm Venerable, he treated his people as mere tools, destined either to perish fighting for him or serve as sacrifices. At this very moment, hearts subtly connected, coalescing into a pure Power of Faith that converged towards the True Martial Immortal Sect suspended in the heavens. Invisible streams of this Power of Faith flowed into the True Martial Immortal Sect, gathering around Ning Qi at the center of the grand square. "Hmm?" The Saint Ancestor’s avatar and Zhili, the two prominent Mountain and Sea Spirits, immediately detected the phenomenon and gazed with disbelief towards Ning Qi. They could faintly sense an awe-inspiring, unknown force surging toward him. This force was incredibly pure, imbued with hope and radiance. Gradually, it enveloped Ning Qi in a soft, golden luminescence, rendering him exceptionally sacred. Everyone witnessed the golden aura surrounding Ning Qi; it was gentle rather than blinding, casting a soothing reflection into their eyes and hearts. A profound sense of comfort and warmth filled them, deepening their devotion. "Zhili, is this?" the Saint Ancestor’s avatar inquired, his voice laced with surprise. Despite his extensive knowledge, he remained uncertain if the golden aura emanating from Ning Qi was indeed what he suspected. Beside him, Zhili and the Mountain and Sea Spirits displayed expressions of utter astonishment. Zhili softly articulated, "Teacher, the return of all hearts – it appears to be the legendary Power of Faith!" The Mountain Spirit, mouth agape, stammered, "Could someone truly achieve the return of all hearts? It's inconceivable!" As the very will of the Spirit Realm, they had extensively discussed the immense difficulty Ning Qi would face in becoming the Spirit Realm’s will. A prerequisite for this transformation was to assimilate the power of all beings and have them willingly submit as their masters. However, mere subservience does not equate to genuine reverence or a willingness to fight for them. Much like the sun in the sky, beings derive benefit from its warmth and honor it as the source of light. If the sun were to incarnate and summon all creatures, they might not necessarily obey or worship it. Similarly, despite being the Mountain and Sea spirits and once embodying the will of the Spirit Realm, did beings ever truly return their hearts to them? The Mountain Spirit remained sealed, and the cultivators under the Mountain Ancestor offered only superficial deference. While the cultivators under the Sea Ancestor were marginally better, if presented with a choice between the Sea Ancestor and the Mountain and Sea Spirit, they would undoubtedly side with the Sea Ancestor. Furthermore, Zhili and the Saint Ancestor, even after cultivating the beings within the Vast Realm, failed to attain the complete return of all hearts. This clearly illustrates the extraordinary difficulty of achieving such a feat. Yet, Ning Qi had unintentionally accomplished this monumental task! In the heart of the square, Ning Qi’s slightly furrowed brows had, at some point, relaxed, though he himself was unaware. His attention was utterly captivated by the golden light that now adorned his body. Ning Qi wore an expression of bewilderment; he had no comprehension of what was transpiring. He only felt an incredible lightness pervading his being, a sensation akin to soaring towards immortality.
"Kid, this is the Belief Power of all beings; you’ll be giggling with delight." The Saint Ancestor’s avatar suddenly transmitted, its voice echoing. "Belief Power of all beings?" Ning Qi was taken aback, a flicker of recollection crossing his mind. He recalled having perused countless tomes, seemingly encountering this term within some ancient texts. Yet, Ning Qi had dismissed it as mere fantasy, questioning the possibility of such an ethereal concept existing. The Saint Ancestor’s avatar continued its transmission: "I'm not entirely clear on this myself, but it only bestows benefits, bringing no harm. Its exact function eludes me, though legends whisper that during specific, extraordinary eras, certain formidable individuals required Belief Power to attain Immortality." "Witnessing this firsthand is a novel experience for me; it makes me quite envious!" Ning Qi grasped the implication upon receiving the transmission. "Belief Power needed for immortality in a certain era?" He observed the expectant crowd, their eyes fixed upon him with unwavering sincerity as they awaited his response. In that precise moment, Ning Qi felt as though the collective desires of everyone present were interlinking with him. Just as Ning Qi prepared to vocalize his thoughts, a sudden manifestation occurred within the True Martial Spirit Realm: the concealed Enlightenment Realm Tree materialized spontaneously. The colossal tree’s shadow appeared ethereal, its presence suffusing the entirety of the True Martial Spirit Realm. Each leaf possessed a unique characteristic; some were as vast as mountains, while others were diminutive, like blades of grass, all adorned with varying hues. They underwent constant metamorphosis, transforming into different trees, flowers, and foliage. With the emergence of the Enlightenment Realm Tree, an immediate clarity descended upon everyone’s minds, their thoughts brimming with newfound inspiration. However, at this juncture, their intentions pure and sincere, they perceived this immense tree shadow as an emanation from Ning Qi himself. They witnessed a gentle, golden radiance emanating from Ning Qi, silently unfurling to envelop the colossal tree in a glorious golden aura. Every leaf rustled softly, emitting melodious sounds, as if expressing jubilation, as if stirring with excitement... "What manner of tree is this?" Both the Saint Ancestor’s avatar and Zhili gazed upon the tree that sheltered all beings beneath its boughs, their shock profound! Yet, Mountain Mountain recognized it. "Wasn't this Mountain Ancestor's tree before? Why does it feel so different now?" He, having the most intimate connection with this tree, having been sealed by it for eons and absorbing immense spiritual energy, felt the change acutely. But now, the sensation imparted by the tree was entirely altered. No longer drawing upon World Power, its ferocity diminished, it exuded an aura of unparalleled sacredness. Ning Qi’s gaze fell upon a colossal branch extending over the central square, and he couldn't resist reaching out to make contact. Beings witnessed the once-illusory tree shadow react to Ning Qi's touch with what seemed like playful ticklishness. It swayed gently, a subtle evasion mixed with evident pleasure. "Teacher, why does this tree feel somewhat familiar, yet I cannot recall its origin?" Zhili inquired, a look of perplexity etched on his face. The Saint Ancestor’s avatar adopted a contemplative expression. "Power of Faith, a colossal tree… I recall seeing similar imagery within the Ancient Road Sacred Map, though it seemed distinct from what stands before us. Truly peculiar." The Mountain and Sea Spirit, at this very moment, observed the gigantic tree shadow, its golden sheen catching their eyes, and expressed their shared bewilderment with a nod of agreement. "Damn it, I should detest this tree, yet I find myself sharing your sentiments!" They were, for a fleeting period, unable to ascertain the root of this newfound feeling, as if it were imprinted deep within their very beings, spontaneously surfacing. As Ning Qi’s fingers brushed against the Enlightenment Realm Tree, he seemed to receive another clandestine message. "You… are good… gather more… of this power…" Ning Qi’s heart was engulfed by a tempest of emotions. Could this Enlightenment Realm Tree he had nurtured have somehow awakened its own consciousness?