Cultivating with Top Enlightenment Chapter 794 - 334: Calm Before the Storm (Part 2)

The trio of compasses morphed into rays of light, swiftly returning to the palms of the three Sword Ancestors.

Featuring an ancient foundation, a smooth and gleaming surface, and a clear crystal Spirit Jade lid atop the compass.

Ning Qi had fashioned the Soul-Searching Plate to mimic a pocket watch, rendering it indistinguishable from a masterpiece of artistry.

The three Sword Ancestors examined the freshly acquired compasses in their grasp, carefully channeling spiritual power into them.

Instantly, apart from displaying the location of the closest node nearby, the compass projected a comprehensive overview of the Central Domain's nodes onto its crystal surface.

Upon viewing this vivid node map in full detail, an intense thrill appeared on the faces of the three Sword Ancestors.

They had never dreamed that Ning Qi's skills had reached such impressive heights.

Barely stepping into the Central Domain, he had already grasped the complete layout of all nodes within it.

Sword Ancestor exclaimed, "Having this complete visible map makes things so much easier for us!"

Qi Keqing and Zhu Yanchuan nodded vigorously in agreement.

The longer they accompanied Ning Qi, the more they sensed their growing dependence on him.

As they observed Ning Qi, their appreciation for sticking with him deepened further.

Setting aside Ning Qi's previous aid to them, the mere utility of this compass was enough to make them unwilling to part ways with him!

If forced to abandon this compass now, reverting to the blind scouting by cultivators right after entering the war realm, they would lose their minds!

As the proverb states, "It's simple to shift from simplicity to extravagance, but tough to go back from extravagance to simplicity," they were utterly determined to avoid such a state of confusion again!

Thus, Qi Keqing and Zhu Yanchuan reaffirmed their determination to guide their forces in trailing Ning Qi, come what may!

Even should Unity Realm experts gain access to the war realm, or their sect forebears show up, they would persist in following Ning Qi!

The pair remained silent, yet a subtle gleam of respect from their innermost feelings reflected in their gazes toward Ning Qi.

This respect would endure without diminishing, instead intensifying with time spent under Ning Qi's lead.

Maybe they had never regarded even their sect ancestors with such devoted eyes!

Sword Ancestor studied the map in surprise, commenting, "Why are the cultivators from the Vast Realm’s Three Domains rushing toward the higher areas so quickly?"

Qi Keqing answered, "They've likely discovered our entry across domains."

Zhu Yanchuan raised his head, as if detecting the local circumstances, then added:

"This location can also detect the Vast Realm's energy; probably the Vast Realm Will has perceived it all and warned the Three Domains forces."

Sword Ancestor and the others nodded, concurring with the assessment.

Zhu Yanchuan turned to Ning Qi and stated, "Domain Master Ning, I have a troubling suspicion—would you like to hear it?"

"Go ahead." Ning Qi responded steadily.

Zhu Yanchuan creased his brow a touch, his eyes scanning each face present before he continued:

"Given that the Vast Realm Will has noticed us, as our foes, they surely won't stand by while we traverse domains and disrupt the balance between the Central Domain's two realms. My concern is that they might target you specifically, Domain Master Ning!"

Zhu Yanchuan avoided referencing the Three Domains cultivators' role, knowing full well that their domain-crossing succeeded not through their own efforts, but thanks to Ning Qi's presence.

Naturally, the Vast Realm Will recognized this too.

At these words, Sword Ancestor and Qi Keqing's expressions shifted subtly, growing somewhat graver.

Zhu Yanchuan's point held merit; if in the Vast Realm's position, they too would never remain passive and would definitely scheme against Ning Qi.

Without realizing it, they turned worried eyes toward Ning Qi.

Yet Ning Qi discerned their concerns and grinned, assuring them:

"No need to fret—even if they aim to strike at me, they'll require time to dispatch reinforcements here. Besides, the cultivators currently in this Vast Realm domain couldn't touch me even if the entire Three Domains army combined forces. Plus, they have to locate me first!"

Ning Qi's composed demeanor lightened the somber moods of the three.

Ning Qi addressed them next, "With matters here settled, I've provided all the tools you require; now it's up to the three of you to command your armies and chart the course ahead!"

The three snapped back to attention, realizing Ning Qi had disappeared from their sight, leaving not even a trace, and they shared wry smiles.

Evidently, they all hoped for Ning Qi to take command, but he steadfastly pushed the responsibility onto the three of them.

By adopting this detached style in overseeing the three armies, Ning Qi fulfills every necessary duty while keeping his distance.

Still, the three grasped the thoughtful intent behind Ning Qi's actions; one aim was to curb their over-reliance on him, fostering their rapid development, and the other was his effort to shield them.

Should they keep clustering around Ning Qi, any future Vast Realm schemes aimed at him would inevitably engulf them too, resulting in unavoidable losses for the armies.

Sword Ancestor's sharp brows knit faintly as he told the other two:

"Let's confer among ourselves first—the Three Domains army falls under our leadership, and we can't leave him to shoulder it all; we ought to ease some of his burden as well."

Qi Keqing agreed, "My Fuyao Realm stands ready to battle for Domain Master Ning!"

"Langya Domain feels the same!"

...

Ning Qi roamed the Central Domain once more, solitary as a lone wolf.

He refrained from immediately clashing with the Vast Realm's cultivators; the conflict between the Mountain and Sea Realm and the Vast Realm held no interest for him, even if the world fell apart, provided it didn't threaten Ning Qi or the True Martial Realm's existence.

Ning Qi prioritized claiming those six nodes above all, to bolster the True Martial Realm even more—this formed the root of his assurance.