Cultivating with Top Enlightenment Chapter 1002 - 432: Golden Droplet

The Enlightenment Realm Tree materialized spontaneously within the True Martial Spirit Realm. Its ethereal branches and leaves stretched upwards, propping up the very heavens like a vast, unfurled umbrella. Meanwhile, its intricate, fibrous roots burrowed deep into the continent and probed the depths of the oceans. The canopy cascaded downwards like silken curtains, each individual leaf adorned with a unique form, enveloping the entirety of the True Martial Spirit Realm. Consequently, the entire realm appeared to have been reshaped into a world fully condensed from the spectral shadow cast by this solitary tree. Ning Qi himself was the True Martial Spirit Realm, and the Enlightenment Realm Tree had also merged with it; in essence, the two could be considered one entity. In sync with this fusion, the golden luminescence, coalesced from the Power of Faith offered by all living beings, was automatically assimilated by the Enlightenment Realm Tree, bestowing a subtle, golden radiance upon its spectral manifestation. At this juncture, both Ning Qi and the tree were cloaked in a sacred aura, intensifying the devotion within the hearts of all who beheld them. Ning Qi extended a hand to touch the Enlightenment Realm Tree, and as if receiving a silent message, he was immediately overcome with a profound sense of astonishment. This Enlightenment Realm Tree had undergone a noticeable transformation over this recent period. Previously, it would only manifest actively when summoned by Ning Qi. However, after Ning Qi acquired the Seed of Jianmu, the Enlightenment Realm Tree had appeared on its own once before. This current manifestation, drawing upon the Power of Faith from all beings, marked the second instance of its independent appearance! A sudden realization dawned upon Ning Qi: he did not fully comprehend the nature of this Enlightenment Realm Tree. He promptly initiated a thorough examination of every facet of the Enlightenment Realm Tree. His own surging Realm Power, circulating invisibly, instantaneously scanned the entire tree from its apex to its deepest roots, both externally and internally. Abruptly, Ning Qi’s Spiritual Sense focused intently on a specific location. This was the very core of the Enlightenment Realm Tree’s heartwood; Ning Qi sensed that a transformation had occurred within this vital center. At the heart of the Enlightenment Realm Tree, a particular spot seemed to have softened, and countless streams of golden Belief Power were converging there, coalescing into a single, resplendent droplet of liquid gold. It possessed an unparalleled purity, resembling tears shed by the sun itself, brimming with sanctity and warmth. Witnessing this, Ning Qi could not suppress his bewilderment. Though he had learned from the Saint Ancestor’s avatar that the Power of Faith was a crucial element for Cultivators aspiring to Immortality in ancient times, the fact that it was now being gathered by the Enlightenment Realm Tree and stored within its heartwood posed a perplexing question. Ning Qi could not decipher the meaning behind this change, yet he intuitively felt it could only be a positive development. While discreetly investigating this phenomenon, Ning Qi maintained an unruffled demeanor, displaying no outward signs of his internal scrutiny. He also remained attentive to the vast populace assembled in the plaza and across the entirety of the True Martial Spirit Realm. With unified hearts turned towards him, everyone gazed at Ning Qi with deep reverence, eager to lend their strength to the impending final battle; they awaited his pronouncement. A soft golden luminescence also enveloped Ning Qi’s visage, lending him an appearance akin to both a deity and an immortal, radiating boundless compassion. Ning Qi’s gaze gently swept over the assembled crowd. He offered a serene smile and declared, “I have perceived the depths of your hearts. When the opportune moment arises, I shall permit you to participate in the fray.” Upon hearing these words, all beings felt an immense sense of validation, their hearts swelling with elation. Ning Qi continued, his voice carrying a gentle reassurance, “For the present, you should each seize the opportunity to Cultivate. I shall take my leave now.” With a farewell wave to everyone, he transformed into a dazzling streak of golden light, instantly vanishing from the plaza of the True Martial Immortal Sect, disappearing from their sight. The Saint Ancestor’s avatar and the Mountain and Sea Spirit Zhili exchanged a look, their eyes still wide with unconcealed astonishment. “This brat,” the Saint Ancestor’s avatar transmitted via voice transmission, “just when you believe you have grasped his every aspect, he invariably reveals something new that astonishes you anew!” “You should become accustomed to it. I suspect he is destined to bring forth even greater marvels,” the Mountain and Sea Spirit remarked, a flicker of light in her eyes. Zhili’s brow furrowed slightly, not out of disagreement with the statement, but because, for the first time, he found himself increasingly aligning with the views of the Mountain and Sea Spirit, with whom he had previously been at odds. ... In the boundless Sea of Realms, the colossal phantom of Buzhou Mountain stood like a rugged, jagged reef piercing the expanse of this vast ocean. This emerging reef steadily grew, expanding and ascending ever higher, its imposing magnitude becoming such that even the Sea of Realms could not afford to disregard its presence.

The phantom of Buzhou Mountain was enveloped in an even more ferocious surge of gray mist, resembling the relentless tides of the Sea of Realms scouring its surface. Within this swirling vortex, the area had become an unlit expanse, mirroring the desolate Black Water Region of the Sea of Realms.

At the mountain's summit stood the Mountain Ancestor, his gaze occasionally sweeping across the surrounding Sea of Realms. His eyes narrowed slightly.

"Where could that brat be hiding? Within this Sea of Realms, apart from the billowing gray mist shrouding the phantom of Buzhou Mountain, there seems to be no other significant reaction anywhere."

Ever since their confrontation in the Vast Realm, the Mountain Ancestor had identified Ning Qi as his paramount adversary. Ning Qi had thwarted his grand design of devouring two realms and sacrificing their inhabitants. Had Ning Qi not intervened, the Mountain Ancestor might have already achieved that ultimate step, transcending this Sea of Realms to attain the Dao and ascend to immortality!

Alas, fate rarely bends to one's desires.

Still, the Mountain Ancestor was not overly perturbed. Despite Ning Qi's truly astonishing performance, exhibiting signs of surpassing both the Saint Ancestor and the Sea Ancestor, and even completely seizing control of the Mountain, Sea, and Vast realms, the Mountain Ancestor remained confident in his ability to handle Ning Qi.

The sole source of his vexation was Ning Qi's uncanny ability to conceal himself, remaining so elusive that even the Mountain Ancestor could not pinpoint his location. He had even employed an inherited Observing Heaven and Earth Secret Technique from Buzhou Mountain, yet still failed to detect Ning Qi's presence.

The Mountain Ancestor had meticulously scrutinized the very locations where Ning Qi had previously appeared, concentrating his senses, but still found no trace of anything unusual.

He retracted his gaze, directing it towards the interior of Buzhou Mountain below. The entirety of Buzhou Mountain's inner expanse had transformed into a veritable sanctuary for the denizens of the ancient ruins. This designation was earned because the lingering power, once wielded by the phantom of Buzhou Mountain, still permeated the area. Countless phantom tree roots extended like grasping tentacles throughout the landscape, while an innumerable host of strange creatures – skeletons, zombies, rats, insects, ants, and beasts – swarmed within, forming an all-encompassing legion that relentlessly assaulted the Saint Ancestor and the Sea Ancestor.