Cultivating with Top Enlightenment Chapter 819 - 346: Taking Them All Down in One Go

The spectral manifestation of the Mountain and Sea Realm Will gently tapped Ning Qi on the shoulder, its expression veiled in a flicker of pity.

"As it stands, there is truly but one path left for you to walk!"

Ning Qi pressed the entity for further specifics, seeking clarity on the turbulent events within the Mountain and Sea Realm, and exactly how the Sea Ancestor had managed to wrench the Profound Truth Realm from the grasp of the Mountain Ancestor.

Following a brief explanation, Ning Qi glanced toward the horizon of the Mountain and Sea Realm, asking, "Realm Venerable, has the Sea Ancestor always been this unhinged?"

The shadow let out a soft sigh, bypassing his inquiry, instead advising, "Do not concern yourself with her history; focus your thoughts on your next steps. How will you safeguard the Profound Truth Realm and ensure the survival of the Infinite Sword Sect you hold dear?"

Ning Qi furrowed his brow, his concern deepening.

"It would be wise to assist the Spirit Domain cultivators loyal to the Sea Ancestor in securing more nodes. Earn her favor, and she shall value you. While her nature is erratic, she is known to treat those who serve her with unexpected generosity."

"I understand the situation!"

"I have already notified the commanders of the various Spirit Domains under her banner of your allegiance, so you need not worry about being targeted by your own kin."

Ning Qi offered a curt nod.

Deep down, he felt a wave of frustration. Having been reincarnated into the Mountain and Sea Realm for over a century, he had always envisioned the Infinite Sword Sect as the cornerstone of his efforts. Now that he had finally integrated the Profound Truth Realm, he had never imagined it would be snatched up like a package, handed over to a madwoman, and used as a leash to control him.

What gnawed at him most was the realization that he was currently powerless against her. Her subordinates were vast in number, and her own strength in this realm was insurmountable.

Ning Qi shook his head, casting aside the paralyzing sentiment of defeat.

He turned back to the lingering shadow. "Realm Venerable, is this current domain situated above the Southern War Realm?"

The shade looked at him, surprised. "Your perception is keen indeed. This is, in fact, the upper tier of the Southern War Realm."

The shadow hesitated, gesturing toward the north. "In that direction lies the Central Domain!"

Ning Qi asked, "Is the Central Domain the focal point of this inter-realm conflict?"

The entity nodded.

"The Central Domain spans a vast territory and serves as the strategic link between both realms. It is where the most powerful sects from both sides clash in a brutal display of war!"

Ning Qi’s eyes shimmered with newfound resolve.

"Does claiming the Central Domain equate to securing the ultimate stronghold of this entire war?"

The shadow replied, "In terms of pure strategic geography, yes. If the chance arises, you must cross into the Central Domain. That is where the premier talents and the bulk of the cultivation armies have converged; it is the ultimate arena for earning war merits."

"Understood. I will keep that in mind."

With nothing left to impart, the shadow of the Mountain and Sea Realm Will flickered and vanished.

It was time to accelerate the pace of this campaign. He had been refining the Soul-Searching Plate Ning Qi provided, showcasing it before both Ancestors. Together, they had mobilized their finest artifact craftsmen to mass-produce a hundred more. The Will prepared to distribute them to every commander across the war realms. With such game-changing intel, the dominance of the lower Integration Realm tiers would soon conclude, paving the way for the true masters of both realms to descend.

As he watched the shadow dissipate, Ning Qi stroked his chin, lost in thought. He retrieved a Soul-Searching Plate and, after a brief contemplation, relayed orders to his Three Domains command: clear the remaining local nodes and then provide support to the Mountain and Sea Realm forces. As for himself, his priority was the six hidden nodes.

...

Within the Vast Realm, the Saint Ancestor watched the war-torn territories. Though he appeared aged, the intensity in his gaze was cutting as cold steel.

He observed the war realm where twenty self-severing Harmonization participants had been deployed, noting how it had turned the golden hue of the Mountain and Sea Realm. Yet, he remained as still as a stone monument.

His only lingering frustration was that even with twenty such participants deployed, they remained unable to neutralize Ning Qi. Having faced him twice through the Wind God Painting and the Sealing Script, the Saint Ancestor realized Ning Qi was a once-in-a-generation talent.

He sighed into the void.

"A talent like this surfacing in the Mountain and Sea Realm is a tragic waste!"

Previously, he had sought to erase Ning Qi as a tactical threat, but now, he desired to claim this prodigy for the Vast Realm. The ingenuity Ning Qi displayed during their indirect clashes was truly rare. The Saint Ancestor mused that if he hoped to ascend to the Supreme realm, having an ally like Ning Qi would be invaluable.

Having learned from their previous engagement, the Saint Ancestor recalibrated his strategy. His eyes shifted to the domain where his last twenty Harmonization experts had arrived—it now glowed with the light gold of the Vast Realm, proving they had successfully rallied the local forces to secure the win. Previously, he had already dispatched another ten participants armed with three of his own treasures to the war zone.

This time, regardless of the cost, Ning Qi would be brought to heel!

The Saint Ancestor stood before a modest, solitary courtyard, hands clasped behind his back, his focus locked on the war realm. He had instructed all forces—via the Vast Realm Will—that at the first sign of Ning Qi, they were to deploy his three treasures immediately, securing him without delay. The Saint Ancestor even set aside his own meditation to monitor the situation, channeling his internal power to intervene personally if necessary, ensuring that his third attempt to manipulate Ning Qi’s fate would yield success.