Cultivating with Top Enlightenment Chapter 4: Seeking Immortality

Even though Ning Qi wasn't someone who rushed into things, the notion of enduring another seven and a half years before stepping into the Martial Path struck him as far too drawn out.

After all.

With his peak-level enlightenment in hand, the moment he entered the Martial Path, rapid strides were certain to follow for him.

The utter destruction of his clan just half a year back lingered vividly in Ning Qi's thoughts.

He had zero interest in mirroring Huang Shang's fate, where perfecting his Divine Skill brought the realization that every foe had already perished.

In these recent times.

He started mulling over methods to hasten his Root Bone's development. The abundant Innate Qi stored inside him showed promising results, though he hadn't tapped its full potential yet. All members of the True Martial Sect recognized Ning Qi as a genius. Concerned that premature brush with the Martial Path might steer him wrong, they barred him from perusing any martial scriptures.

The fragments of knowledge Ning Qi gathered came from scattered sources, probably laced with inaccuracies.

"Maybe I ought to consult Master."

Ning Qi resolved to do just that.

Fearful of misconceptions, he yearned to grasp the authentic nature of what they called Root Bone, aiming to devise a Secret Technique that would speed its growth and harness the Innate Qi he'd preserved within.

His tiny limbs swung as he toddled along, presenting a charming sight. Paired with his plump, angelic face, he came across as utterly lovable.

On the path ahead.

Disciples from the True Martial Sect's Outer and Inner Sects offered respectful salutes, addressing him as Ninth Senior Brother.

Such was the custom; True Disciples commanded deep reverence.

Ning Qi folded his hands at his back, offering nods with a composed, grown-up demeanor:

"Greetings, Junior Brothers and Sisters."

The disciples stifled their amusement inwardly, while harboring some wonder. This Ninth Senior Brother stood out remarkably—at a mere six months, he displayed such wisdom, striding with firm footing, nothing short of exceptional.

Even so, the playful swing of his small arms and legs added a touch of humor.

Ning Qi pressed forward.

All at once, robust arms scooped him into the air.

"Jiu, off wandering again!"

The familiar chuckle let Ning Qi identify the voice without looking—it belonged to Fifth Senior Brother, Jiang Baishan. Ning Qi wriggled to break free:

"Fifth Senior Brother, set me down, I can manage on my own!"

The dashing youth burst into laughter, his gaze brimming with fond indulgence.

"Alright, alright, careful not to tumble, I'll lower you now."

"Fifth Senior Brother, heading to see Master?"

"Yes, after all this time up here, I must descend for some real practice, or folks might scorn our True Martial Sect."

Anticipation gleamed in Jiang Baishan's eyes.

Prior to Qin Yun's arrival, he held the title of top talent, and presently his prowess almost equaled Senior Brother Luo Wentian's.

"Fifth Senior Brother, you're incredible, what's your current realm?"

"Naturally, your Fifth Senior Brother shines bright. At just twenty-five and... ha, Little Ning Qi, fishing for secrets; I won't spill! You imp, you'll learn in due time when you're grown."

"If you keep it from me, I'll simply inquire with Master!"

This exchange happened frequently—his Senior Brothers and Sisters always withheld details on their cultivation levels, leaving Ning Qi a touch irritated. Brushing it aside, he flailed his arms and dashed toward the Bright Martial Pavilion.

Jiang Baishan let out an involuntary grin.

Shaking his head, he trailed right behind.

Within the pavilion.

Taoist Longshan sat in meditation, eyes shut, before slowly unveiling them moments later.

"Disciple greets Master!"

Ning Qi and Jiang Baishan bowed with utmost respect.

Taoist Longshan regarded his two students with a warm grin, his fondness for Ning Qi especially evident in his gaze. This pupil was simply delightful, grasping concepts swiftly; he anticipated with excitement the day Ning Qi would tread the Martial Path.

The True Martial Sect's prospects might well rest on this very disciple's shoulders.

"Master, I seek permission to venture down the mountain for training and to safeguard our True Martial honor," Jiang Baishan declared his intent.

Taoist Longshan appeared delighted:

"Venturing down for practice deserves praise; preserving honor matters less than acquiring wisdom. Prioritize your safety above all, for the Demon Path stirrings have grown lately—avoid any snares."

Sensing his Master's worry, Jiang Baishan felt deeply moved.

"Your guidance, Master, this disciple will engrave in his heart."

Taoist Longshan gave a measured nod, then turned to Ning Qi with gentle amusement:

"Jiu, what prompts your visit today? Did your Third Senior Sister pester you once more, prompting you to complain?"

Jiang Baishan joined in the laughter.

Ye Qinghe delighted most in ribbing Ning Qi.

But Ning Qi denied it with a shake of his head, furrowing his young brow, and crept closer with secretive intent:

"Disciple has noticed something strange, a prickling itch deep inside each night. Master, is there perhaps a beast lurking on True Martial Mountain?"

Taoist Longshan let out a light-hearted rebuke with a chuckle:

"What nonsense."

Still, Ning Qi's description sparked thought in him. He rested his palm on Ning Qi's shoulder, channeling a subtle energy through. A flicker of astonishment crossed Taoist Longshan's features.

"This... it's the Root Bone hastening its development, but so prematurely?"

Joy bloomed across Ning Qi's face:

"Master, does that mean I can begin martial arts cultivation like Eighth Senior Brother?"

Jiang Baishan gazed at Taoist Longshan in astonishment too, yet the elder merely chuckled and lightly rapped Ning Qi's forehead:

"You sly little one, scheming to draw it out of me."

Given his young charge's sharp mind, how could such shifts escape notice? The monster tale served merely as bait to lure out the truth.

Ning Qi grinned and posed the query burning in his thoughts:

"Master, what precisely constitutes the Root Bone?"

Taoist Longshan mulled it over briefly before replying:

"Fine, I'll lay it out for you now, so you won't fret endlessly. With your Root Bone already speeding along, keep up the aids from medicine and nourishment."

Ning Qi straightened attentively.

"The Root Bone isn't about flesh or skeleton; it's no physical entity. Rather, it's the bedrock of the human form, a hidden gem inside. From birth, a child plants this seed, which demands nurturing over time; it flourishes by absorbing the Power of Heaven and Earth, nourished by enigmatic powers, steadily expanding."

"Through ages of research, ancestors determined that Root Bone typically solidifies around age eight for most youngsters. Some blessed with rich Innate Qi form it ahead, such as your Eighth Senior Brother, who started the Martial Path at seven."

"In your case, it could arrive even earlier."

A smile played on Taoist Longshan's lips as he stroked his beard, remembering the discovery of Ning Qi half a year past in a concealed nook amid raging flames. That Innate Qi had been potent indeed, but he'd never foreseen it propelling growth at half a year old.

In general, early starters often reach extraordinary heights, boosting chances for deep martial realms, though certainty eludes all.

He remained unaware, of course, that Ning Qi had already taken to deliberately circulating his Innate Qi throughout his frame.

Enlightenment dawned on Ning Qi.

He'd long assumed Root Bone meant the body's sinews and frame, requiring growth to withstand the Martial Path.

Yet now, it revealed itself as mere outer layer.

Root Bone delved into profound depths, entwining the corporeal base with the Power of Heaven and Earth.

Previously, he'd stumbled into partial success by chance, bridging basics to essence through trial.

Luckily, he'd realigned swiftly; the value of a master's counsel shone clear. Even maxed enlightenment benefited from prompt direction to sidestep early pitfalls.

"Disciple expresses deepest thanks to Master for the enlightenment!" Ning Qi offered with reverence.

Elation filled him, doubts dispelled; a clear path now opened. In time, crafting a Secret Technique to quicken Root Bone formation posed no great challenge.

Age six?

Still, it dragged on excessively in his view.

Taoist Longshan chuckled warmly:

"As we've delved into Root Bone matters today, spill any lingering queries, before your clever head spins with them nonstop."

Ning Qi's gaze sparkled, and he voiced a long-held curiosity:

"If I may, Master, does the Martial Path pave the way to immortality?"

His eyes blazed with fervent longing.