Cultivating with Top Enlightenment Chapter 1003 - 432: Golden Droplet (Part 2)

And then, the Mountain Ancestor’s true form seized the moment to launch an assault on the pair.

An earth-shattering rumble echoed throughout the entirety of Buzhou Mountain, as if the very earth was convulsing.

The Saint Ancestor unleashed a colossal golden radiance, projecting myriad Divine Texts that coalesced into an immense shield, shielding both himself and the Sea Ancestor.

This protective barrier extended for nearly ten zhang in radius.

The Sea Ancestor, despite her profound mastery over the laws of Water and Moon, found herself glistening with sweat, pushed to her limits.

Behind her, a gigantic full moon materialized at some undisclosed juncture.

The moon radiated a serene, chilling luminescence, each beam imbued with the boundless Power of Rules.

This moonlight cascaded down, bathing the interior of the Saint Ancestor’s shield in its glow.

The frigid moonlight undulated softly, reminiscent of water’s gentle waves, attempting to pierce the shield and reach further.

Yet, despite its persistent efforts, the light could not breach the barrier to illuminate any more of the surroundings.

Beyond the shield’s reach lay only profound darkness, punctuated by ceaseless howls and eerie rustling sounds.

Faced with this seemingly unending and incorrigible horde, the two resorted to employing such expansive, area-of-effect attacks.

"Huff, huff."

The Sea Ancestor’s chest rose and fell rapidly as she glanced at the Saint Ancestor beside her.

The Saint Ancestor was also not faring well, his form appearing somewhat gaunt, as if he were consuming his own vitality.

"You’ve held the line admirably; allow me to assume the defensive duties now!" the Sea Ancestor proposed.

The Saint Ancestor, a hint of amusement surfacing for the first time, shook his head. "Who declared that the old cannot persevere?"

As he spoke, his previously depleted physique visibly refilled, leaving the Sea Ancestor utterly astonished.

"What sorcery is this?"

She was taken aback.

The duo had been ensnared within the shadow of Buzhou Mountain by the Mountain Ancestor for a considerable duration, enduring relentless and bizarre assaults.

The interior space of this Buzhou Mountain shadow was in a continuous state of contraction, diminishing their available movement area.

Concurrently, it insidiously drained their strength while a pervasive sealing force relentlessly closed in.

Moreover, successive layers of specialized gravity bore down upon them; as the space compressed, the gravitational pull intensified.

Even as Near Immortals, they found the escalating pressure increasingly arduous to withstand.

This shadow of Buzhou Mountain exerted not only a physical burden but also manifested as an oppressive weight upon their minds and consciousness, making them feel overwhelmingly heavy in body, spirit, and intent!

They were uncertain whether this oppressive sensation stemmed from an illusion or the intrinsic capabilities of the Buzhou Mountain shadow.

Nevertheless, the Mountain Ancestor, who had been steadfastly resisting, had somehow regained a significant portion of his power, much to the Sea Ancestor's surprise.

The Saint Ancestor elaborated, "It is regrettable that you did not employ a doppelgänger technique to retain a duplicate outside. Had you possessed one, you could have channeled Ning’s power and drawn sustenance to your primary self."

"Hmm?" The Sea Ancestor’s icy blue eyebrows knitted together. "Did you not mention earlier that you were unable to communicate with your doppelgänger?"

The Saint Ancestor chuckled heartily, replying, "That was when my doppelgänger resided in the Vast Realm. However, after its assimilation by Ning, for reasons unknown, I can now re-establish contact."

He paused, seemingly pondering the underlying mechanics, and continued, "Perhaps it is connected to that arboreal entity within Ning’s True Martial Spirit Realm. Did you not mention a similar tree existing in the Mountain and Sea Realm, which Ning acquired?"

A flicker of understanding crossed the Sea Ancestor’s face.

"Are you suggesting that this tree facilitated your renewed connection with your doppelgänger?"

"That seems to be the case. Based on your account, it appears this tree originally belonged to the Mountain Ancestor and might be intrinsically linked to Buzhou Mountain. Now that Ning has planted it within the True Martial Spirit Realm and integrated it almost as a singular entity, I can reach my doppelgänger."

The Sea Ancestor nodded. "Then, how is it that you have regained so much strength?"

At this juncture, the Saint Ancestor let out another laugh.

"You have not witnessed the grandeur of Ning’s True Martial Spirit Realm; it is truly magnificent. As a former sovereign of the Vast Realm, I can confidently state that my former domain pales in comparison!"

While continuing to channel more power to fend off the external threats beyond the shield, the Saint Ancestor conversed with the Sea Ancestor.

"Is the True Martial Spirit Realm truly that formidable?"

"It has undergone integration with the Three Realms and remains in a state of metamorphosis. Even my doppelgänger, merely existing within it, can harness terrifying reserves of energy."

The Sea Ancestor instantly grasped the Saint Ancestor's change, her expression shifting as she moved closer.

"Can you lend me some of that power?"

"What?" The Saint Ancestor was taken aback. "I'm still fending off the army. Are you trying to undermine me?"

The Sea Ancestor responded, "After fighting side-by-side for so long, our synchronicity is excellent. We could unleash a potent Divine Technique together, and it would be highly effective."

Stirred by the proposal, the Saint Ancestor considered it for a moment before agreeing, "Very well, as you wish. But give me a little more time to accumulate power."

"Agreed!"

Within the ethereal confines of Buzhou Mountain.

The scar-faced Mountain Ancestor ceased his direct combat, opting instead to exert his power to summon the legions.

Observing the diminishing defensive perimeter of the Saint Ancestor and Sea Ancestor, its luminescence fading, a look of profound satisfaction graced his features.

"A genuine shame. If only that Jianmu branch hadn't been claimed by Ning Qi earlier. Had we possessed it, their defenses would be utterly useless, easily breached in an instant!"

After all, it was the Seed of Jianmu, conceived from the absorption of World Power, possessing the capability to counteract realms and traverse planar boundaries effortlessly, let alone mere defenses?

Yet, regardless of the Mountain Ancestor's lamentations, they were futile. His initial decision was not flawed. The sole misstep stemmed from Ning Qi's unexpected appearance.

"No, I cannot afford further delays. This situation is disadvantageous to me, and excessive use of Buzhou Mountain's residual power might also lead to my assimilation..."

He cast a subtle glance towards the identical figure perched atop Buzhou Mountain's summit.

"Ever since the summoning of Buzhou Mountain's spectral manifestation, that entity has grown increasingly formidable..."

The Mountain Ancestor knitted his brows.

For reasons unknown, as his gaze lingered on the mirrored image, a distinct aura of alienation began to permeate his eyes.

...

Ning Qi materialized silently within the Sea of Realms.

He appeared entirely encompassed by the ambient energy of the Sea of Realms, rendering him undetectable and imperceptible.

The entirety of the True Martial Spirit Realm remained concealed within the Sea of Realms thanks to the cloaking capabilities of the Jianmu Seed, which shielded it from all external scrutiny.

Ning Qi directed his gaze towards the direction of Buzhou Mountain's spectral form.

His eyes meticulously surveyed both the upper and lower expanses.

"Shall I confront the Mountain Ancestor positioned above first, or should I venture into Buzhou Mountain's core to rescue the Saint Ancestor and Sea Ancestor?"

Ning Qi contemplated this dilemma.

"If my memory serves me correctly, the scarred Mountain Ancestor I previously encountered is situated at the base, restraining the two Ancestors."

"Therefore, proceeding downwards would allow me to join forces with the two Ancestors. However, it would also mean venturing into the deepest parts of Buzhou Mountain, potentially subjecting me to significant suppression!"

His gaze shifted back towards the upper region.

"Still, even if I opt to engage the Mountain Ancestor above, I will inevitably enter Buzhou Mountain's shadow, so confronting them necessitates entering the shadow regardless."

Ning Qi shook his head, murmuring, "I truly wish to avoid entering it; this mountain emanates an ominous sensation, but there's no alternative—let's proceed with the customary approach."

His form transmuted into wisps of grey World Power originating from the Sea of Realms, silently drifting with the ethereal mist towards Buzhou Mountain's spectral manifestation.

Fortunately, Ning Qi had long since pilfered the power of the Sea of Realms; by directly manipulating the World Power within, he gained recognition from the Sea of Realms itself, being regarded as an integral part of it.

Otherwise, if Ning Qi had ventured beyond the Sea of Realms for the first time, it might have brought him to the brink of despair.

Shortly after, Ning Qi's form, now a grey mist, silently made contact with Buzhou Mountain's spectral aspect.

"Hmm, this mountain's boundary appears to impede the influx of energy from the Sea of Realms?"