Cultivating with Top Enlightenment Chapter 935 - 400: Patricide (2)

The Sea Ancestor's voice turned exceptionally frigid, his entire being radiating an aura as cold as ice that had been frozen for ten thousand years.

A biting chill permeated the entire war realm, and the very fabric of the void began to manifest specks of white matter. These particles rapidly expanded, morphing into delicate snowflakes that descended with gentle grace.

For cultivators of lower realms, an insidious, bone-chilling coldness seemed to infiltrate their very beings.

Yet, in that moment, they finally grasped the identity of the Elder Qiming whom the Saint Ancestor had just referenced—the former mentor to both the Mountain Ancestor and the Sea Ancestor.

However, if Elder Qiming had truly been their teacher, why would the Sea Ancestor exhibit such an extreme reaction at the mere mention of his name, a reaction so potent it conjured a snowfall in the midst of summer?

Ning Qi found himself equally baffled by the display.

He surmised that regardless of whether the Saint Ancestor had discerned a hidden truth or not, this revelation was poised to unearth a deeply buried past, potentially exposing the origins of the animosity between the Mountain Ancestor and the Sea Ancestor.

"Fellow Daoist Ning, that Elder Qiming possesses another identity," a voice transmission suddenly echoed in Ning Qi's mind.

His attention immediately shifted towards the source of the sound, which belonged to Zhao Yujun, the Sect Leader of the Moon Sea Immortal Sect.

Zhao Yujun offered Ning Qi a knowing wink.

As the most prominent figure under the Sea Ancestor's command and the appointed manager of the Moon Sea Immortal Sect, established by the Sea Ancestor herself, Zhao Yujun had undoubtedly served the Sea Ancestor for countless years, earning her profound trust.

Perhaps witnessing the palpable anguish on the Sea Ancestor's face and observing the Mountain Ancestor, their sworn rival, gain an advantage, Zhao Yujun decided to impart some crucial secrets to Ning Qi.

Ning Qi could not fathom Zhao Yujun's motivations for sharing such sensitive information, but presented with the opportunity for free gossip, he saw no reason to decline.

Consequently, Ning Qi relayed a message back to Zhao Yujun:

"Daoist Zhao, might you elaborate further? What other identity does Elder Qiming hold? I confess my knowledge of the Ancestors' past is regrettably sparse. Should this information prove beneficial later, my gratitude would be immeasurable."

After a moment of contemplation, Zhao Yujun replied, "Elder Qiming was the mentor to both Ancestors in their youth, and he was also the Sea Ancestor's biological father."

"What?" Ning Qi exclaimed softly, prompting Zhao Yujun to continue.

"At one point, the Mountain Ancestor journeyed to a lesser world in pursuit of treasures and became ensnared. The Sea Ancestor, upon learning of her brother's peril and disregarding her father's counsel, forcefully entered that world herself. Subsequently, both became trapped."

"Later, their master, Elder Qiming, ventured into the lesser world to rescue them. Although he succeeded in saving both Ancestors, he tragically perished within."

"The precise details of the events that transpired there remain unknown to me."

Zhao Yujun cast a glance back at Ning Qi. "I only came to learn of these events during one of the Sea Ancestor's periods of cultivation-induced delirium. I trust, Fellow Daoist Ning, that you will keep this confidential."

Ning Qi offered a slight nod in acknowledgment.

"Are you suggesting the schism between the two Ancestors originated from that incident? Does the Sea Ancestor hold the Mountain Ancestor responsible for her father's demise, thus leading to the current state of conflict within the Mountain and Sea Realm?"

Zhao Yujun corrected him, "You misunderstand; the Sea Ancestor does not merely hold the Mountain Ancestor accountable, she firmly believes the Mountain Ancestor was responsible for her father's death!"

Ning Qi was momentarily speechless.

Ning Qi's subtle shift in expression appeared entirely natural to Zhao Yujun; she herself had felt as though the world had been turned upside down upon first learning the truth. Only then had the full reasons behind their animosity become clear.

It was no wonder that the two Ancestors, once like siblings in their tutelage, had evolved from a close bond into bitter enemies.

Zhao Yujun added, "However, given that the Sea Ancestor briefly lost consciousness when her father, Elder Qiming, perished, she did not witness the Mountain Ancestor killing him and has consequently lacked definitive proof."

Ning Qi inclined his head in appreciation.

Thanks to Zhao Yujun's explanation, he finally grasped the root cause of the irreconcilable conflict between the two Ancestors.

If the Sea Ancestor's beliefs were indeed accurate, their transformation into sworn enemies was an unavoidable consequence.

Ning Qi's gaze drifted towards the three Ancestors positioned ahead.

Internally, he couldn't help but marvel at the Saint Ancestor's audacity, dredging up this ancient grievance to sow discord between the two Ancestors, all in an attempt to manipulate the current situation!

However, Ning Qi found the unfolding drama rather amusing.

He had always felt the battle between the three lacked sufficient chaos. With the Saint Ancestor standing alone against both the Sea Ancestor and the Mountain Ancestor, he worried if the Saint Ancestor and the Vast Realm could truly prevail. Such an outcome would be detrimental to his own interests.

The Saint Ancestor observed the Sea Ancestor, who was now drawing near, before shifting his gaze to the Mountain Ancestor.

His eyes moved between the two figures, as if contemplating the best approach to articulate his thoughts.

"Shall I speak only to you, or is it better to just state it aloud?"

Saint Ancestor posed the question to Sea Ancestor in the end.

Sea Ancestor's form appeared to quiver; she also glanced towards Mountain Ancestor, on the verge of speaking.

However, Mountain Ancestor addressed Saint Ancestor first: "At our level, we act according to nature and are unburdened by earthly matters, so why the need for secrecy? Speak freely. I'm eager to know if you can truly perceive the past and future."

Saint Ancestor then turned to Sea Ancestor, asking, "What are your thoughts?"

Sea Ancestor's chest heaved like tempestuous waves, her countenance contorted into the zenith of ferocity, and she spat out a single word filled with animosity: "Speak!"

Saint Ancestor regarded her with what seemed like a hint of pity, replying, "Very well!"

"I witnessed in his past actions that he personally slew Elder Qiming, sacrificing his life to break the seal on the treasure within that minor world you visited, thereby inheriting its legacy!"

Sea Ancestor's long tresses stirred without a breeze, standing on end.

Apart from emitting tendrils of frigid aura, a ring of grey energy coalesced around her person.

This energy swirled malevolently, presenting an ominous aspect at first sight.

Observing this display, Saint Ancestor and Mountain Ancestor were both taken aback.

"The power of the Sea of Realms!"

All present, including Ning Qi, widened their eyes in considerable shock.

This marked the first occasion Sea Ancestor had openly wielded the power of the Sea of Realms before everyone.

It was no wonder Sea Ancestor had previously informed him that they both wielded the power of the Sea of Realms; Sea Ancestor had indeed cultivated her own forbidden techniques!

However, in the context of the current situation, this was a secondary concern; more paramount was the revelation made by Saint Ancestor.

"Haoshan, is his account truthful?"

Sea Ancestor's beautiful features were now veiled by layers of profound sorrow and animosity, tinged with a thread of madness, as she coldly interrogated Mountain Ancestor.

A paper fan materialized in Saint Ancestor's hand without warning.

He unfolded the fan, fanning himself with gentle strokes.

Yet, strangely, a flame erupted from the paper fan, and the breeze it generated was warm, seemingly countering the chill emanating from Sea Ancestor beside him.

The robust Mountain Ancestor's gaze shifted between the two before finally settling upon Saint Ancestor.

Over countless millennia, Sea Ancestor had posed this question to him every time they clashed, yet he had never divulged the truth to her.

But now, in the presence of an external threat, he found himself compelled to speak.

Mountain Ancestor drew a deep inhalation and then directed his gaze towards the Divine Mountain Illusion situated behind him.

Contemplating the mountain illusion, its summit lost to the heavens and its base anchored to the earth, a fervent expression dawned upon his face.

He began to articulate his thoughts, as if to himself.

"Ascending to the summit establishes me as the apex; there is but one who stands at the highest point in this world, whether in the mortal or Immortal Realm, be it beast or human. What group have you observed that deviates from this principle?"

Sea Ancestor and Saint Ancestor continued to listen, as did the cultivators assembled.

Some cultivators even wore expressions of bitter resignation.

They comprehended the nature of humanity, realizing that overhearing such secrets likely portended their demise.

"To become that singular being at the pinnacle, I merely did what all existences are destined to do! Sentiment? That is a burden the foremost individual must cast aside!"

With these pronouncements, Mountain Ancestor effectively corroborated the truth of Saint Ancestor's statement.

Saint Ancestor abruptly closed his paper fan, sensing an intense heat emanating from Sea Ancestor nearby.

It was a Dao Flame born from extreme indignation, seemingly setting Sea Ancestor ablaze.

With a single glance, he perceived Sea Ancestor enveloped in a layer of swirling, grey flames.

Upon the appearance of this nameless inferno, Sea Ancestor's form vanished from sight.

Rumble!

The war realm convulsed, space destabilized, and all energy within the void surged like a colossal tsunami, making it arduous for the cultivators to maintain their footing.

Sea Ancestor, consumed by boundless fury, launched an assault on Mountain Ancestor. She advanced with breathtaking speed, unleashing a torrent of countless Dao water blades from her hand, interwoven with grey flames, that sliced towards Mountain Ancestor.

Witnessing this, a miniature Divine Mountain Illusion materialized upon Mountain Ancestor's body autonomously.

"Sea of Emotions, my esteemed junior sister, you have restrained yourself for all these years; why now move against me? Do you disregard the overarching strategy of the Mountain and Sea Realm?"

"To the abyss with your grand scheme!" Sea Ancestor bellowed in her rage.